India's 2026 Foreign Contribution Amendment Raises Concerns for NGOs

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 25 March 2026 to amend the 2010 FCRA. The bill creates a new “designated authority” that can take control of, manage, or dispose of assets acquired with foreign funds if an NGO’s registration is cancelled, suspended, or not renewed. Assets could be transferred to a government ministry, sold, or otherwise vested permanently in the authority.

Around 15,000 Indian NGOs currently hold active FCRA registration and receive roughly ₹22,000 crore in foreign funding each year for schools, hospitals, relief work and other projects. Critics say the amendment adds barriers to NGO independence and threatens property built with overseas donations. Opposition parties protested the proposal, leading to a postponement of its discussion and approval after the budget session ended on 2 April 2026.