Amendments to FCRA Aimed at Safeguarding India’s Sovereign Rights: Italian-Canadian Analyst
The bill would tighten oversight of NGOs and foreign funding, while opposition parties and some U.S. lawmakers warn it could hurt minority institutions.
- The Government is considering sending the Foreign Contribution Amendment Bill, 2026 to a joint committee of Parliament for further examination, even as opposition parties demand its withdrawal.
- Introduced on March 25, the legislation proposes tighter government oversight on NGOs and foreign funding, which the government claims is necessary for national security.
- Congress leader KC Venugopal and other opposition members allege the bill targets NGOs, calling it "unconstitutional and anti-people" and vowing to block its passage.
- Defending the move, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vinay Mohan Kwatra cited international precedents on Sunday, noting the USA, The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada have similar laws regulating foreign financial flows.
- While some opposition parties seek withdrawal, others like the BJD suggest further scrutiny via a joint committee as Parliament prepares to debate the legislation again.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Lombardi explains foreign funding as covert foreign policy tool
Verona: Highlighting that the foreign funding regulations in India are not a new phenomenon, Senior Analyst and Advisor on India-Italy relations, Carlo Lombardi, has pointed out that the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) was first introduced under the government headed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1976 and later the law was made even harsher during the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government. Speaking with ANI, Lombardi emphasise…
FCRA aims to choke funds for NGOs; funding will remain only for RSS: Mahua Moitra
TMC MP Mahua Moitra criticized the FCRA Bill after it was referred to a Joint Committee, alleging that the legislation would choke funding for NGOs and benefit only select organisations. Her remarks sparked a fresh political debate over foreign funding and civil society organisations.
NGOs also instruments of foreign policy: Senior Analyst Carlo Lombardi on FCRA Amendment Bill - The Tribune
Senior analyst and advisor to India-Italy ties, Carlo Lombardi has backed the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill noting that it is in the country's interest to scrutinise overseas funding of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which can also be used as instruments of foreign policy.
FCRA Bill Likely to Be Sent to Joint Parliamentary Committee; Govt to Move Motion at 2 PM
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. The Central Government is expected to move a motion in Parliament today to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), sources said on Wednesday. India News | FCRA Bill Likely to Be Sent to Joint Parliamentary Committee; Govt to Move Motion at 2 PM.
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