New Delhi : The government has put on hold the Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, 2026 amid Opposition protests, even as Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Congress and Left parties of spreading “misinformation” over the proposed changes. Responding to the protests, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was being misrepresented, particularly in Kerala.
There is indeed misinformation being spread about the FCRA, he said. The amendment is aimed at regulating foreign contributions, ensuring proper utilisation in the national interest and national security, and preventing misuse of funds. He added, “It is not against any religion or organisation. Congress and the Communist Party are misleading the people of Kerala in view of the elections. Rijiju also said he had informed senior Congress leaders that the Bill would not be taken up for consideration on Wednesday.
A key provision introduces a designated authority to take control of foreign funds and assets if an organisation’s registration is cancelled, surrendered, expires or is not renewed. These assets could eventually be transferred to the government. The Bill allows the government to transfer such assets to departments or sell them, with proceeds deposited in the Consolidated Fund of India.
The amendments seek to fix timelines for utilisation of foreign funds and restrict organisations from selling or transferring assets during suspension without approval.
At the same time, the proposed law reduces the maximum punishment for violations to one year in jail, or a fine, or both. Responsibility has also been widened to include key functionaries such as directors, trustees and office bearers. The proposed changes have triggered sharp reactions, with Opposition parties questioning the intent and implications of the law.
BJP leaders, however, defended the amendments. MP Gulam Ali Khatana said those working within the law have “full freedom”, while accusing the Opposition of using minorities as a vote bank. Another BJP MP, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, said the amendments were aimed at bringing transparency. “There is no ban on any type of NGO in the country. The rules regarding funding have been clarified,” she said.
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