Once again the Central government wants to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), citing national security. This time the proposed amendment has met with fierce opposition not just from the non-profit sector but from members of Parliament as well who described the Bill as draconian and targeting minority institutions.   

Critics argue that the Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, goes beyond regulating foreign donations. It gives the government greater control over assets and operations created from foreign contributions when an organization’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or lapses.