JPC on FCRA Amendment Bill 2026: Concerns over Stakeholder Consultation
Why in news?
A Congress MP raised concerns about the lack of meaningful stakeholder consultation and the perceived hasty processing of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
Key points
- Allegations of insufficient stakeholder consultation in the JPC examining the FCRA Amendment Bill.
- Concerns that the Bill might be passed quickly without thorough deliberation.
- Call for public notices to invite written memoranda and oral evidence from affected stakeholders.
- Demand for adequate time for clause-by-clause deliberation and potential extension of the reporting deadline.
Background & context
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) was first enacted in 1976 to regulate foreign contributions to Indian NGOs. The proposed amendment bill aims to tighten government oversight over foreign funding and NGO activities. The Bill has faced opposition from parties and civil society groups, citing concerns about targeting minority-run institutions and broad powers vested in a 'designated authority'.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, is being examined by a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) headed by BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Parliament and State Legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers and privileges and issues arising out of these. Governance.