Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 6: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging that the legislation gives the government excessive powers over organisations receiving foreign contributions.
In an opinion piece published by The Indian Express, Tharoor said the proposed amendments were “about control, not transparency” and claimed that they introduce a mechanism allowing the executive to take control of assets of organisations whose FCRA registration is suspended, cancelled or not renewed.
The Centre is likely to push for the passage of the Bill during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.
Tharoor raised objections to the creation of a centrally appointed Designated Authority, which would be empowered to take charge of foreign funds and physical assets of organisations facing action under the FCRA.
He argued that the provision allowing assets to be provisionally vested with the authority could enable the government to manage and sell properties, with proceeds credited to the Consolidated Fund of India, even if the assets were only partly acquired through foreign contributions.
The Congress leader also criticised the proposed concept of “deemed cessation”, under which an organisation’s FCRA registration would automatically end if renewal is not applied for or granted within the stipulated period.
Expressing concern over charitable institutions, Tharoor said several hospitals, schools, medical colleges and welfare organisations, including those run by Christian trusts in Kerala, have supported marginalised communities through a combination of domestic resources and foreign grants.
He warned that administrative decisions related to FCRA licences could create uncertainty for such institutions and affect beneficiaries who depend on their services.
Tharoor further claimed that the proposed provisions could raise constitutional concerns related to the right to property, equality before law, and religious freedom. He said organisations facing action under the Act could be forced into prolonged legal battles while diverting resources away from public service activities.
Calling the Bill a case of “executive overreach”, Tharoor urged opposition parties to oppose the legislation and demand that it be sent to a Select Committee for detailed examination and consultation with stakeholders.
Meanwhile, government sources said the amendments aim to address operational gaps in the existing law and strengthen oversight of foreign contributions and related assets.
The proposed Bill includes provisions for judicial appeal against decisions of the Designated Authority, protection of the religious character of places of worship where applicable, reduction of maximum imprisonment for FCRA violations from five years to one year, and other procedural changes.