Centre Sends Foreign Funding Bill to Parliament Panel Amid Opposition Uproar

Bill Sent for Scrutiny

The Union government has referred the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill to a parliamentary panel for further scrutiny, a move that comes after days of intense opposition protest. The decision, announced on Wednesday, signals a tactical shift by the Centre, which had earlier faced criticism for rushing the legislation through both Houses.

The bill, which seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, will now be examined by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC). The panel is expected to submit its report in the upcoming session, giving lawmakers time to study the provisions and hear from stakeholders.

Opposition Demands Withdrawal

Opposition parties, however, have not been mollified. They have been demanding the complete withdrawal of the bill, alleging that it is aimed at targeting minority communities. Several MPs argued that the proposed amendments would stifle legitimate civil society work, particularly in areas like education, health, and disaster relief.

The bill's referral to the JPC comes after weeks of heated debate in Parliament. The government, while defending the bill, has faced questions over the speed with which it was being pushed through, with critics pointing to a lack of consultation with affected groups.

Government Defends Move

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, defended the legislation, saying it is crucial to keep an eye on foreign funding. "India is not a banana republic," Rijiju said, asserting that the government has a right to know where foreign money is coming from and how it is being used. He maintained that the bill is not aimed at any particular community but is meant to ensure transparency and accountability.

The government's decision to soften its stance follows appeals by minority groups, who had expressed concerns that the bill could be misused to target them. Reports suggest that the Centre has taken these concerns into account, though it has stopped short of accepting the opposition's demand for withdrawal.

What the Bill Proposes

The FCRA Amendment Bill proposes to tighten the rules governing foreign contributions to non-governmental organisations and other entities. It includes provisions for stricter scrutiny of fund utilisation and increased penalties for violations. The bill also seeks to make it mandatory for organisations to declare their sources of funding more frequently.

While the government says these changes are needed to prevent the misuse of foreign funds, critics argue that they would place an undue burden on smaller organisations, many of which rely on foreign donations to sustain their operations.

What Happens Next

The JPC will now hold consultations with various stakeholders, including NGOs, legal experts, and representatives of minority communities. The panel's recommendations will be crucial in shaping the final version of the bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament again after the committee submits its report.

All eyes will be on the committee's proceedings, as both the government and the opposition dig in for a long battle over the legislation's scope and intent.