The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, was formally referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Wednesday ( August 12) after the Central Government moved a motion in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;Union Minister Nityanand Rai moved the motion after the Lok Sabha resumed proceedings following its morning adjournment. According to the Supplementary List of Business, the Joint Committee will have 31 members, including 21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;"That the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, be referred to a Joint Committee of the Houses consisting of 21 Members of this House to be nominated by the Hon'ble Speaker, Lok Sabha, and 10 Members of Rajya Sabha to be nominated by Hon'ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha," the motion stated.&nbsp;The committee will examine the provisions of the proposed legislation in detail and submit its report to Parliament by the last day of the first week of the Winter Session 2026.&nbsp;The motion also stated that one-third of the total members will constitute the quorum for meetings of the Joint Committee.&nbsp;"This House recommends to Rajya Sabha that Rajya Sabha do join the said Joint Committee and communicate to this House names of the Members to be appointed by Rajya Sabha to the Joint Committee," it added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indigo-flight-suffers-engine-failure-emergency-declared-at-chennai-airport-1786520967055">IndiGo flight suffers engine failure; emergency declared at Chennai airport</a><h2>Opposition raises concerns over FCRA Bill</h2>The move comes amid Opposition demands to withdraw the proposed amendment, with opposition parties alleging that some of its provisions target religious minorities.&nbsp;Congress leader KC Venugopal called for the withdrawal of the Bill, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the proposed legislation targets minorities.&nbsp;Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected the allegations and challenged the Opposition to identify a single provision that targets minorities. He accused the Opposition of misleading the House.<h2>Monsoon Session ends on August 13</h2>Parliament has witnessed repeated uproar during almost the entire session, with the Opposition demanding a response from Home Minister Amit Shah over alleged police atrocities during the July 20 students' protest and the Ram Mandir donation theft row. The Monsoon Session is scheduled to end on August 13.&nbsp;The FCRA regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations and organisations in India. It also seeks to ensure that such contributions are used for the purposes for which they are received.

The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, was referred to a 31 member Joint Parliamentary Committee amid Opposition protests and demands for its withdrawal over allegations that it targets religious minorities.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, was formally referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Wednesday ( August 12) after the Central Government moved a motion in the Lok Sabha. Union Minister Nityanand Rai moved the motion after the Lok Sabha resumed proceedings following its morning adjournment. According to the Supplementary List of Business, the Joint Committee will have 31 members, including 21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. "That the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, be referred to a Joint Committee of the Houses consisting of 21 Members of this House to be nominated by the Hon'ble Speaker, Lok Sabha, and 10 Members of Rajya Sabha to be nominated by Hon'ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha," the motion stated. The committee will examine the provisions of the proposed legislation in detail and submit its report to Parliament by the last day of the first week of the Winter Session 2026. The motion also stated that one-third of the total members will constitute the quorum for meetings of the Joint Committee. "This House recommends to Rajya Sabha that Rajya Sabha do join the said Joint Committee and communicate to this House names of the Members to be appointed by Rajya Sabha to the Joint Committee," it added. Also Read: IndiGo flight suffers engine failure; emergency declared at Chennai airport Opposition raises concerns over FCRA Bill The move comes amid Opposition demands to withdraw the proposed amendment, with opposition parties alleging that some of its provisions target religious minorities. Congress leader KC Venugopal called for the withdrawal of the Bill, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the proposed legislation targets minorities. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected the allegations and challenged the Opposition to identify a single provision that targets minorities. He accused the Opposition of misleading the House. Monsoon Session ends on August 13 Parliament has witnessed repeated uproar during almost the entire session, with the Opposition demanding a response from Home Minister Amit Shah over alleged police atrocities during the July 20 students' protest and the Ram Mandir donation theft row. The Monsoon Session is scheduled to end on August 13. The FCRA regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations and organisations in India. It also seeks to ensure that such contributions are used for the purposes for which they are received.

The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, was referred to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee amid Opposition protests and demands for its withdrawal over allegations that it targets religious minorities.

FCRA Amendment Bill referred to JPC amid Parliament disruptions; Opposition seeks withdrawal

US Congressman Riley Moore has criticised the proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) by calling it “a clear attack against Christians”. Moore also warned that the legislation could become a bilateral issue between India and the United States.&nbsp;Moore described the proposed amendments to the FCRA as “a clear attack against Christians”, and alleged that the legislation could allow the government to take control of churches and religious charities.&nbsp;The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, continues to trigger sharp debate during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.&nbsp;The US Congressman said in a post on X that Christianity has a long history in India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Christians have been in India since St. Thomas the Apostle traveled to the Malabar Coast just decades after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. But despite this long Christian history, India’s Parliament is considering amending Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment…&mdash; Rep. Riley M. Moore (@RepRileyMoore) <a href="https://x.com/RepRileyMoore/status/2084675064738570336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-vessel-sinks-after-red-sea-attack-off-yemen-all-crew-rescued-1785870462603">Indian vessel sinks after Red Sea attack off Yemen; all crew rescued</a> “Christians have been in India since St. Thomas the Apostle travelled to the Malabar Coast just decades after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. The US Congressman then criticised the bill, saying, “But despite this long Christian history, India’s Parliament is considering amending Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment (FCRA) rules to permit government takeovers of churches and religious charities.” “This is a clear attack against Christians. If this bill proceeds in this way, it would be a point of major concern in our bilateral relationship with India,” he added. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/munir-protege-mohsin-naqvi-s-claim-of-unearthing-huge-scam-triggers-tremors-in-pakistan-s-power-corridors-1785869067161">Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors</a> The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, which governs how non-governmental organisations, charitable trusts, educational institutions, religious bodies, and associations receive and use foreign donations. Under existing rules, organisations must obtain registration from the Ministry of Home Affairs before accepting foreign contributions. That registration has to be renewed every five years. The background note accompanying the bill says there are 14,449 active FCRA registrations in India as of July 15, 2026. Another 22,498 registrations had been cancelled, while 15,212 had expired. Between 2019 and 2022, organisations registered under the Act received foreign contributions worth Rs 55,741 crore. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-snub-pakistan-ex-us-general-says-pak-qatar-compromised-mediators-1785852825375">Did Trump snub Pakistan? Ex-US General says Pak and Qatar ‘compromised’ mediators</a> Among the most significant proposals is the creation of a Designated Authority, appointed by the Central Government, with powers to take over the management of foreign contributions and assets created using those funds if an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, or not renewed. The bill also proposes a minimum utilisation threshold for renewal. Organisations that have received or used less than Rs 10 lakh in foreign contributions during the previous two financial years may no longer qualify for renewal. Other provisions are tighter restrictions on transferring foreign contributions to other organisations, stricter timelines for receiving and using overseas funds, and expanded disclosure requirements relating to projects, activities, websites, and social media accounts. The proposed powers of the Designated Authority have become the centre of the debate. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-crackdown-on-digital-arrest-scams-setting-up-of-panel-1785857834849">Supreme Court orders crackdown on digital arrest scams, setting up of panel</a> Opposition parties, NGOs, and several civil society groups say that the amendments give the Centre sweeping control over organisations dependent on foreign funding. Churches and religious organisations have expressed particular concern that schools, hospitals, welfare institutions, and other assets built over decades with foreign donations could come under government control if their registrations lapse or are cancelled. The concerns are especially prominent in Kerala, where many Christian organisations operate large educational and healthcare institutions that have historically relied on overseas contributions. The government defends the amendments, saying they will bring transparency, strengthen oversight and ensure greater accountability in the use of foreign funds.

Churches and religious organisations have expressed particular concern that schools, hospitals, welfare institutions, and other assets built over decades with foreign donations could come under government control if their registrations lapse or are cancelled.

US Congressman Riley Moore has criticised the proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) by calling it “a clear attack against Christians”. Moore also warned that the legislation could become a bilateral issue between India and the United States. Moore described the proposed amendments to the FCRA as “a clear attack against Christians”, and alleged that the legislation could allow the government to take control of churches and religious charities. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, continues to trigger sharp debate during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. The US Congressman said in a post on X that Christianity has a long history in India.

Churches and religious organisations have expressed particular concern that schools, hospitals, welfare institutions, and other assets built over decades with foreign donations could come under government control if their registrations lapse or are cancelled.

‘India’s FCRA bill an attack on Christians, could hit bilateral ties,’ says US lawmaker

In a major move to tighten oversight on international funding, the Government of India has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules, explicitly clarifying that religious conversion will no longer be treated as a legitimate "faith-based" activity.The amendment aims to eliminate legal grey areas where foreign donations, ostensibly meant for social welfare or religious preservation, were allegedly diverted for proselytisation. Under the updated guidelines, activities like religious education and the preservation of indigenous belief systems remain permissible, but conversion efforts are strictly prohibited from receiving overseas money.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madras-hc-orders-cbi-probe-into-rs-397-cr-transformer-tender-scam-during-dmk-s-senthil-balaji-tenure-1777458216433">Madras HC orders CBI probe into Rs 397 Cr transformer tender scam during DMK's Senthil Balaji tenure</a><h3>Tighter Compliance and New Restrictions</h3> The 2026 amendment introduces stringent structural changes for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and religious bodies seeking foreign contributions:&nbsp;Mandatory Activity Mapping: Organisations must now select their exact operational purpose from a predefined government schedule and specify the precise states or union territories where the funds will be deployed.&nbsp;Foreign National Restrictions: Associations featuring foreign nationals as key functionaries (excluding Persons of Indian Origin) will ordinarily be barred from obtaining FCRA registration or prior clearance.&nbsp;Enhanced Audit and Disclosure: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has mandated granular reporting on ultimate donor identities and reserved the right to conduct ground-level field enquiries to verify fund utilisation.&nbsp;<h3>A 50-Year Regulatory Evolution</h3> This amendment marks the latest chapter in the evolution of the FCRA, which has transformed over the decades from a basic regulatory framework into a highly robust national security tool.&nbsp;<ul><li>The FCRA, enacted in 1976, was introduced during the Emergency to curb foreign influence in India’s political, judicial, and democratic institutions.</li><li>In 2010, the original law was replaced with a stricter system requiring mandatory registration renewals for NGOs every five years.</li><li>Later in 2020, amendments banned the sub-granting of funds between NGOs, capped administrative expenses at 20%, and centralised all foreign inflows into a single State Bank of India branch in New Delhi.</li><li>In 2026, the current amendment codifies a strict distinction between preserving faith traditions and active religious conversion.</li></ul> The government maintains that these measures are essential to safeguard national sovereignty, protect vulnerable communities in tribal areas, and ensure financial transparency. Official statements point to past investigations such as the Caruna Bal Vikas case and probes into specific trusts in Vadodara where funds meant for healthcare or education were allegedly used to induce conversions.&nbsp;However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism. Several minority-run religious groups and civil society organisations argue that the compliance burden will paralyse legitimate humanitarian work in education and healthcare. Opposition parties have also criticised the move, labelling it an over-centralisation of power designed to stifle independent civil society.

India’s updated FCRA rules explicitly exclude religious conversion from permissible "faith-based" activities for NGOs. Read how the new Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines tighten international funding and foreign donations to eliminate legal grey areas.

In a major move to tighten oversight on international funding, the Government of India has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules, explicitly clarifying that religious conversion will no longer be treated as a legitimate "faith-based" activity. The amendment aims to eliminate legal grey areas where foreign donations, ostensibly meant for social welfare or religious preservation, were allegedly diverted for proselytisation. Under the updated guidelines, activities like religious education and the preservation of indigenous belief systems remain permissible, but conversion efforts are strictly prohibited from receiving overseas money. Also read: Madras HC orders CBI probe into Rs 397 Cr transformer tender scam during DMK's Senthil Balaji tenure Tighter Compliance and New Restrictions The 2026 amendment introduces stringent structural changes for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and religious bodies seeking foreign contributions: Mandatory Activity Mapping: Organisations must now select their exact operational purpose from a predefined government schedule and specify the precise states or union territories where the funds will be deployed. Foreign National Restrictions: Associations featuring foreign nationals as key functionaries (excluding Persons of Indian Origin) will ordinarily be barred from obtaining FCRA registration or prior clearance. Enhanced Audit and Disclosure: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has mandated granular reporting on ultimate donor identities and reserved the right to conduct ground-level field enquiries to verify fund utilisation. A 50-Year Regulatory Evolution This amendment marks the latest chapter in the evolution of the FCRA, which has transformed over the decades from a basic regulatory framework into a highly robust national security tool. The FCRA, enacted in 1976, was introduced during the Emergency to curb foreign influence in India’s political, judicial, and democratic institutions. In 2010, the original law was replaced with a stricter system requiring mandatory registration renewals for NGOs every five years. Later in 2020, amendments banned the sub-granting of funds between NGOs, capped administrative expenses at 20%, and centralised all foreign inflows into a single State Bank of India branch in New Delhi. In 2026, the current amendment codifies a strict distinction between preserving faith traditions and active religious conversion. The government maintains that these measures are essential to safeguard national sovereignty, protect vulnerable communities in tribal areas, and ensure financial transparency. Official statements point to past investigations such as the Caruna Bal Vikas case and probes into specific trusts in Vadodara where funds meant for healthcare or education were allegedly used to induce conversions. However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism. Several minority-run religious groups and civil society organisations argue that the compliance burden will paralyse legitimate humanitarian work in education and healthcare. Opposition parties have also criticised the move, labelling it an over-centralisation of power designed to stifle independent civil society.

Under the updated guidelines, activities like religious education and the preservation of indigenous belief systems remain permissible, but conversion efforts are strictly prohibited from receiving overseas money.

New NGO funding rules in India: Foreign money for religious conversion banned | WION Decodes

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FCRA Amendment Bill referred to JPC amid Parliament disruptions; Opposition seeks withdrawal

India’s FCRA bill an attack on Christians, could hit bilateral ties: US lawmaker

New NGO funding rules in India: Foreign money for religious conversion banned