CBCI gives green signal to 'dangerous' FCRA amendments, warns of interference in minority organisations
New Delhi March 28 (Manpreet Singh Khalsa):- The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed "grave concern" over the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), describing the bill as "dangerous" and "worrying" in its implications. In a statement, the apex Catholic body said the proposed changes introduced in the Lok Sabha could enable "executive interference" in constitutionally guaranteed freedoms under the pretext of license renewal. It warned that the amendments raise serious concerns about "undue interference" in the functioning of minority organisations and civil society organisations. The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (March 26). The CBCI has objected to the provisions that would empower the central government – mainly expressing concerns about how a new licensing authority that is being set up will function – which will be able to refuse to renew or cancel licences and will be able to take control over the institutions, funds, properties and assets of NGOs and minority organisations. The authority can seize, manage and dispose of properties, and both temporary and permanent investments are proposed. The CBCI said such measures raise concerns regarding fairness, transparency and accountability. The organisation also questioned the motive behind introducing the bill in the statement, calling it unilateral and devoid of any opposition from opposition MPs. It called for wide-ranging consultations and deliberations on issues affecting fundamental rights. The CBCI said the provisions enabling the central government to control foreign funds and assets of organisations on expiry of their FCRA registration are “undemocratic, unconstitutional and contrary to the principles of natural justice”. It described the amendments as an attempt to subject minority organisations to an “overly stringent regulatory framework”. According to a PTI report, the Foreign Contribution (Regulations) Amendment Bill, 2026, proposes to create a “designated authority” to take temporary or permanent control of assets of NGOs whose FCRA licences have been cancelled, surrendered or lapsed. It includes powers to manage and dispose of such assets. It also introduces time limits for requiring prior approval of the central government for utilisation of funds, regularisation of assets during suspension, rationalisation of penalties and initiation of investigations. The CBCI urged the government to reconsider the proposed amendments and "remove all controversial provisions" from the bill, while ensuring that constitutional rights and freedoms, especially those of minorities, are protected.
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