The Union government is likely to introduce the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha next week as part of its legislative agenda for the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, according to sources.
The Bill, which seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, is expected to be taken up even as Parliament continues to witness repeated disruptions over the police action against protesters during the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march and allegations related to Ram Temple donations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to lead the discussion on the proposed legislation.
Bill Was Deferred After Opposition Objections
The FCRA Amendment Bill was first introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25 but was not taken up after Opposition parties and several civil society organisations raised objections to some of its provisions.
Sources said the government may introduce certain changes to the Bill before seeking its passage. On Friday, Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly held meetings with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and senior Cabinet ministers ahead of its expected introduction.
Key Changes Proposed in the Bill
According to the proposed amendments, an organisation’s FCRA registration would cease if its certificate expires, is not renewed, or if renewal is refused by the government.
One of the most debated provisions empowers the Centre to appoint a designated authority to manage the foreign funds and assets of organisations whose FCRA registration has been cancelled, surrendered or has ceased to exist.
The government has said the amendments aim to improve transparency and accountability in the use of foreign contributions. According to the Bill, around 16,000 organisations are currently registered under the FCRA and collectively receive nearly ₹22,000 crore in foreign contributions every year.
Church Groups and Opposition Raise Concerns
The proposed amendments have drawn criticism from church bodies, non-governmental organisations and Opposition leaders.
Last week, a delegation of church leaders, including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), met Home Minister Amit Shah and urged the government to withdraw the Bill and the recently notified Rules. The delegation requested that both be redrafted after wider consultations with stakeholders.
The CBCI said the amendments should not affect existing legal rights, previously acquired assets or ongoing charitable activities. It also called for independent judicial oversight in matters related to FCRA.
DMK MP P. Wilson also opposed the Bill, warning that it could weaken civil society institutions.
“Institutions that have served millions through education, healthcare and humanitarian efforts could face unprecedented government control, endangering constitutional rights and the rule of law. I urge all Members of Parliament to oppose and defeat this draconian Bill,” he said.
Government Defends Proposed Amendments
The Centre has defended the proposed legislation, saying it is intended to strengthen transparency in the regulation of foreign funding.
Government sources have argued that the amendments would primarily affect those allegedly misusing foreign contributions for personal gain or engaging in activities such as forced religious conversions using foreign funds.
Other Bills on Next Week’s Agenda
Apart from the FCRA Amendment Bill, the government’s legislative business for next week includes the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, and the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026.
The Lok Sabha is also expected to discuss the Demands for Excess Grants for 2022–23 and pass the related Appropriation Bill during the ongoing Monsoon Session, which began on July 20.
