Centre Likely to Refer FCRA Bill to Joint Parliamentary Panel

New Delhi: The Union government is likely to refer the contentious Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), according to official sources. The decision comes after weeks of escalating opposition from political parties, church organisations, and civil society groups, with protests intensifying in states like Mizoram.

The bill, which seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, has been at the centre of a political storm. Critics argue that the proposed changes could be used to target non-governmental organisations and religious institutions, particularly those receiving funds from abroad.

Opposition Pushback and Regional Protests

The Opposition has been demanding that the bill be sent to a parliamentary panel for detailed scrutiny. The demand gained traction after protests broke out in Mizoram, where civil society groups and church leaders have voiced strong objections. The bill, they claim, threatens the functioning of charitable and missionary organisations that rely on foreign funding.

In Nagaland, the Congress party has accused the BJP of using the FCRA as a political weapon against Christian institutions. The party said in a statement that the amendments would cripple the work of churches and faith-based organisations, which run schools, hospitals, and relief operations across the Northeast.

Church Bodies Oppose the Bill

The Syro-Malabar Church in Kerala has also urged the Centre to rethink the bill. The church, which runs a large network of educational and charitable institutions, said the proposed law would create unnecessary hurdles for organisations that have been functioning transparently for decades.

The bill proposes stricter scrutiny of foreign contributions and tighter rules for organisations receiving such funds. It also seeks to bar certain categories of individuals and organisations from receiving foreign money. The government has defended the amendments, saying they are necessary to ensure that foreign funds are not misused for activities that threaten national security or public order.

What the JPC Referral Means

Referring the bill to a JPC would allow for broader consultations with stakeholders, including state governments, civil society, and religious bodies. It would also give the Opposition a platform to raise its concerns in a structured manner. The JPC, which typically comprises members from both Houses of Parliament, can suggest changes to the bill before it is passed.

Sources said the government is keen to avoid a prolonged logjam in Parliament, especially with several state elections on the horizon. The referral is seen as a tactical move to defuse tension while keeping the legislative process moving. However, the government has not yet made a formal announcement, and the timeline for the referral remains unclear.

What to Watch

All eyes are now on the next parliamentary session, where the government is expected to formally move the motion for a JPC referral. The composition of the committee and the timeline for its report will be crucial. Stakeholders, including church groups and NGOs, are likely to petition the panel with their objections. The final shape of the bill, and whether it incorporates any of the suggested changes, will determine the future of foreign funding for thousands of organisations in India.