Opposition Opposes Proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, Alleges It Will Hit NGOs

New Delhi, August 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Opposition parties on Saturday voiced strong opposition to the Centre’s proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), alleging that the legislation would adversely impact the functioning of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society groups.

According to sources, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act Amendment Bill is likely to be introduced in the Lok Sabha during the coming week of the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D. Raja said several NGOs and civil society organisations had expressed concerns over the proposed legislation.

“There are serious apprehensions. Many NGOs and civil society organisations fear their work will suffer and their functioning will be crippled. Let us see what the Bill contains and how the government responds,” Raja said.

CPI(M) MP V. Sivadasan alleged that the proposed amendments were aimed at restricting organisations critical of the government.

He claimed the legislation would affect long-standing NGOs working for public welfare while allowing organisations linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to function without similar restrictions. Sivadasan also said the CPI(M) would seek to unite Opposition parties to oppose the Bill in Parliament.

NCP-SP national spokesperson Naseem Siddiqui alleged that the proposed law would impact charitable activities undertaken by Christian and Muslim organisations, particularly in the education sector. He said there should be no objection to genuine foreign funding being used for developmental purposes.

YSR Congress Party MP Golla Babu Rao, however, said there was no harm in accepting legitimate foreign contributions, provided there was an effective mechanism to ensure the funds were not misused. He said a centralised monitoring system could help maintain transparency while allowing genuine organisations to continue receiving overseas assistance.

The Centre has not yet officially introduced the Bill or disclosed its proposed provisions.