Lok Sabha Defers Debate On FCRA Amendment Bill; Minister Rijiju Says Opposition Misleading Kerala People

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, was tabled in the Lok Sabha today, but it was not taken up for discussion, apparently due to the upcoming elections in Kerala. As soon as the House's proceedings had started, the members from the Opposition parties staged a protest, after which the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, adjourned the proceedings for some time.Responding to the protests by the Opposition, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that MPs from Kerala have been misguided and added that he had already informed the Congress members that the Bill will not be taken up today for consideration. "Whatever misinformation has been spread regarding FCRA in Kerala is not correct. The original amendment was brought by Congress in 2010, and since then, many amendments have been made. The present amendment is for the regulation of foreign funds in the wake of national security and interest, so that the money is not misused. The government is not targeting any religion or community. Congress and the Communist Party are misleading the people of Kerala for the sake of elections."The Bill has added Chapter IIIA, which introduces the 'designated authority' to which the foreign contribution of any person shall provisionally vest in cases where the certificate has been cancelled, surrendered, or has been ceased. The designated authority is to be appointed by the Central Government.In case a person fails to obtain a fresh certificate or get it renewed or restored within the period specified, the foreign contribution and assets shall permanently vest with the designated authority. Such assets, which have been permanently vested, can be transferred to the ministry, department, or authority of the central or State government as prescribed.In case the asset is a place of worship, it shall be regulated in a manner to ensure that the religious character is maintained.In Kerala, where assembly elections are due next week, several Christian organisations expressed concerns over the proposed amendments.Adding to this, any person whose foreign contributions or assets are vested in the designated authority shall have to share unhindered access to its book of accounts, electronic records, bank accounts, etc.The designated authority has been given all the powers of a civil court while trying a suit, in respect of summoning and enforcing attendance of any person, requiring the discovery or production of documents, receiving evidence etc. Any person aggrieved by an order passed by the designated authority can file an appeal before the District Judge within 90 days.Under Section 3, a certain class of persons are prohibited from accepting foreign contribution including a media/news company or association, which is now proposed to include "any person". An amendment to Section 48 has been proposed, which says no investigation shall be initiated for any offence under the Act without the prior approval of the central government.

Lok Sabha Defers Debate On FCRA Amendment Bill; Minister Rijiju Says Opposition Misleading Kerala People

Gursimran Kaur Bakshi

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