Joint Parliamentary Committee meets to examine FCRA Amendment Bill

A 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) held its first meeting to examine the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Chaired by BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal, the committee is tasked with reviewing the provisions of the bill and is expected to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the end of the first week of the 2026 Winter Session.

The proposed legislation seeks to increase government oversight on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and foreign funding. Key provisions include the creation of a designated authority to manage and dispose of assets if an organisation loses its FCRA licence. Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai stated the bill aims to enhance transparency and ensure the proper use of foreign funds.

Opposition parties have strongly contested the bill, alleging that it targets minorities and could choke legitimate funding for Christian NGOs and minority-run educational and social welfare institutions. The government has rejected these claims, asserting that the legislation is not religion-specific and is intended to prevent the misuse of funds for activities such as forced religious conversions.