The Centre has referred the controversial Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) amid strong protests from the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai moved a resolution on Wednesday to refer the bill to a 31-member JPC, comprising 21 Lok Sabha and 10 Rajya Sabha members. The Opposition questioned the absence of Home Minister Amit Shah, in whose name the resolution was initially listed in the Lok Sabha’s Supplementary List of Business.
Opposition leaders, including Congress leader KC Venugopal and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, opposed the bill, calling it “anti-minority” and demanding its withdrawal. Venugopal said the proposed legislation could affect NGOs and minority institutions, while Yadav said the entire Opposition was against the bill.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the decision to refer the bill to the JPC, saying it would provide the Opposition an opportunity to present its concerns before the panel. He also rejected allegations that the bill was anti-minority.
The bill proposes empowering the government to appoint a “Designated Authority” to take over the management of foreign contributions and assets created from such funds when an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or not renewed.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that the authority would manage only assets created from foreign contributions after an organisation’s registration has lawfully ceased. For places of worship, the bill requires the religious character of the property to be maintained.
The government says the amendments aim to establish a statutory framework for managing foreign contributions and related assets, while rationalising penalties and requiring central approval for investigations.
NEICC welcomes referral of FCRA Amendment Bill to JPC
The North East India Christian Council (NEICC) has welcomed the Centre’s decision to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed examination.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NEICC expressed gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for “listening to the concerns of the Christian community and other stakeholders” and allowing the proposed legislation to undergo further parliamentary scrutiny and consultation.
The council described the referral as “an important and positive step in the democratic process” and expressed hope that the JPC would examine the proposed amendments objectively and comprehensively.
It also urged the committee to hear the views of affected stakeholders and consider the practical implications of the proposed changes before making its recommendations.
“The Christian community remains committed to transparency, accountability and compliance with the laws of the land, while also seeking a fair, proportionate and workable legal framework for institutions serving society,” the NEICC said.
The council also appreciated the leadership of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for listening to public concerns and taking them up with the Union Government.
The NEICC further thanked Members of Parliament and other public representatives who supported the concerns raised over the proposed amendments.
Expressing gratitude to church leaders, congregations and Christian communities across the North East, India and abroad for their prayers and solidarity, the council said the development called for “continued prayer, wisdom and responsible engagement”.
The NEICC said it remains committed to constructive dialogue and looks forward to engaging with the parliamentary process.
The statement was issued by NEICC General Secretary Rev. Dr. Meyu Changkiri.
