Opposition wants FCRA Bill scrapped or referred to JPC, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Opposition is demanding either the scrapping of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill (FCRA) 2026 or its referral to a Joint Committee of Parliament (JPC).
• The INDIA bloc is strategizing its opposition to the Bill, which is expected to be debated in Parliament.
• The Congress party has also called for a statement from the Home Minister regarding police action against protesters before any legislative debate.
• Concerns have been raised about the Bill's provisions that would vest foreign contributions and assets created from them in a government-appointed "designated authority" without prior hearing if an FCRA certificate is cancelled or lapses.
• Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma's announcement of the Bill's debate date has been questioned by the Opposition, citing a lack of clarity from the Union government.

Detailed Insights:

• The FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 proposes a framework for the supervision, management, and disposal of foreign contributions and assets of organizations that lose their FCRA certificate.
• Under the proposed Bill, if an FCRA certificate is cancelled, surrendered, or lapses, assets created from foreign contributions would vest in a "designated authority."
• This vesting of assets could occur without a prior hearing or judicial determination, raising concerns about due process.
• The Bill also suggests that if a fresh certificate is not obtained within a prescribed period, assets could be sold or transferred to a government department, with proceeds going to the Consolidated Fund of India.
• Critics argue that the Bill could negatively impact hospitals, educational institutions, and care homes that rely on foreign funding.
• The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by Indian entities to prevent adverse effects on national interest.
• Previous amendments to the FCRA in 2020 introduced stricter measures, including mandatory Aadhaar for office-bearers and reduced administrative expense limits.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA): A law regulating the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by individuals and associations in India to ensure national security and public order.
• Joint Committee of Parliament (JPC): An ad-hoc committee comprising members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, formed to examine specific matters of public importance or complex legislative issues.
• Consolidated Fund of India: The primary government account where all revenues, receipts, and expenses are collected, requiring parliamentary approval for withdrawals.