FCRA Amendment Bill, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha.
• The bill proposes a "designated authority" to manage assets of non-profits that lose their FCRA license.
• Opposition members have criticized the bill, calling it "draconian" and "dangerous".
• Currently, approximately 16,000 associations are registered under the FCRA Act, receiving Rs 22,000 crore annually.

Detailed Insights:

• The bill allows the government to take control of foreign contributions and assets if an organization's FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, or ceased.
• Opponents argue the bill grants excessive power to the executive branch, allowing them to control property and potentially apply enforcement selectively.
• The government defends the bill as a measure to increase transparency and ensure foreign funds are used properly, especially regarding religious conversion and personal enrichment.
• The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act was originally enacted in 2010 and has been amended in 2016, 2018, and 2020.

Key Concepts Involved:

• FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act): A law regulating the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and organizations in India.
• Designated Authority: An entity created by the Amendment Bill to manage assets of non-profits that lose their FCRA license.
• Rule 72 of the Rule of Procedure: A parliamentary rule that allows members to oppose the introduction of a bill.