FCRA Amendment Bill unconstitutional, malicious: Congress MP Manish Tewari
What's the story
Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Manish Tewari has slammed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. He called it "arbitrary and malicious," claiming it violates constitutional provisions such as Articles 14, 19, 21, and 301(A). "When the FCRA Amendment Bill was introduced, I had opposed it on the principles of constitutionalism. The bill is arbitrary and malicious. It offends Article 14, 19, 21, 301(A) of the Constitution of India, and it needs to be strongly opposed," he told ANI.
Parliamentary action
Congress calls FCRA Amendment Bill 'unconstitutional'
Meanwhile, the Congress party has asked its MPs to rush to Delhi for the Parliament session as the FCRA Amendment Bill is likely to be passed. All India Congress Committee General Secretary KC Venugopal called the bill "completely unconstitutional." He alleged that it targets non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community organizations, especially those from minority communities.
Government's stance
Bill a 'threat' to minority communities, says Venugopal
Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai introduced the bill on March 25. He said it seeks to improve transparency and ensure proper use of foreign funds. The proposed law would also tighten control over voluntary organizations and institutions engaged in social services. However, Venugopal described the bill as a "threat" hanging over minority communities and an attempt to intimidate organizations like Christian institutions in Kerala.
Counterarguments
BJP leader Rijiju dismisses Congress's claims
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kiren Rijiju dismissed the Congress's claims about the FCRA amendment bill as "completely false, fabricated, and misleading." He said it only seeks to stop foreign funding against national security interests. The proposed amendments would create a designated authority to manage foreign contributions and assets if an organization's registration is canceled or surrendered.
Bill objectives
Why is the government bringing this bill?
The FCRA amendment bill seeks to plug operational and legal loopholes in managing foreign contributions and assets. It aims to bring greater control over foreign-funded assets if organizations lose their registration. Currently, around 16,000 associations registered under the FCRA receive nearly ₹22,000 crore annually in foreign contributions. The absence of a comprehensive framework has led to administrative uncertainty and potential misuse of these funds.