Home Ministry tables FCRA Amendment Bill to Joint Parliamentary Committee

The Ministry of Home Affairs introduced the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on March 25, 2026. The bill aims to strengthen supervision of foreign contributions received by organisations and to streamline the disposal of assets when a certificate lapses or is cancelled.

Parliamentary journey

After its introduction, the bill was sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed scrutiny on August 12, 2026. Members of Parliament, including special invitees, attended the first JPC sitting in New Delhi to discuss the proposal.

“Attended the first FCRA (Amendment) Bill, 2026, yesterday as a part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee in the capacity of a Special Invitee.” – MP James Sangma

Social media commentary highlighted concerns that the bill could affect faith‑based bodies and NGOs, with some opposition members labeling it “anti‑minority”.

“The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, which creates a ‘designated authority’ for lapsed foreign contributions and extends the foreign funding ban to ‘any person’; has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee amid Opposition claims it’s anti‑minority.”

Key provisions of the amendment

• Creation of a Designated Authority to take over, manage and dispose of foreign contributions and assets when an FCRA certificate is cancelled, surrendered or ceases.
• Assets linked to places of worship must retain their religious character under the Authority’s supervision.
• Vesting of assets is provisional if a fresh certificate is later granted; otherwise, the vesting becomes permanent.
• The Authority may transfer vested assets to central or state ministries, departments or agencies, or dispose of them through sale.
• The maximum penalty for violations is reduced from imprisonment of five years to one year.

“The Bill creates a Designated Authority for the vesting, supervision, management and disposal of foreign contribution and assets in such cases.”

Statistical backdrop

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, 13,520 organisations received foreign contributions totalling Rs 55,741 crore between 2019 and 2022. As of July 15, 2026, the FCRA portal listed 14,449 active certificates, 22,498 cancelled and 15,212 deemed expired.

“As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, 13,520 organisations received Rs 55,741 crore of foreign contribution between 2019 and 2022.”

“As of July 15, 2026, there are 14,449 active FCRA certificates, 22,498 cancelled and 15,212 deemed as expired.”

Implications for NGOs and faith‑based bodies

The amendment means that organisations failing to renew their certificates within the five‑year validity period will lose assets created with foreign funds to the Designated Authority. To retain such assets, NGOs must maintain continuous certification. The bill also removes the prior‑permission route for one‑time foreign donors, focusing solely on certificate‑based receipt of funds.

Critics argue that the broader definition of “any person” for foreign funding bans could restrict legitimate charitable activities, especially for religious institutions that rely on overseas donations. Proponents contend that tighter controls will prevent misuse of foreign money for activities detrimental to national interest.

The JPC’s deliberations are expected to shape the final version of the bill before it returns to Parliament for voting.