Amid Protests, Government Readies FCRA Amendment Bill for Lok Sabha Next Week

The government is expected to introduce the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha next week, according to parliamentary sources. The proposed legislation is part of a busy legislative agenda for the monsoon session, which began on July 20.

The government has been working through its legislative priorities even as opposition MPs have disrupted proceedings with sloganeering over the police action during the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' protest. The protest, called by opposition parties, was against government policies, and the police response has become a major point of contention in Parliament.

According to the tentative list of business for the coming week, the Lok Sabha is set to consider and pass the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill seeks to update the legal framework for civil registration systems, which are essential for maintaining accurate demographic data and implementing welfare programmes.

The lower house is also scheduled to discuss the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. This bill proposes an increase in the number of judges of the Supreme Court, a matter that has drawn attention due to the mounting case pendency in the judiciary.

Another item on the agenda is the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, listed for consideration and passing. The MSME sector employs millions of people in India, and the amendments are expected to reshape the regulatory framework for its growth.

Two new bills are slated for introduction: the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, and the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026. The former aims to revise the legal basis for the Indian Statistical Institute, while the latter proposes changes to the law governing how banker's books are used as evidence in legal proceedings.

Additionally, the Lok Sabha is expected to discuss the Demands for Excess Grants for the financial year 2022-23. These demands relate to government expenditure that exceeded the authorised budget. Following the discussion, the related Appropriation Bill is likely to be taken up for passage.

The FCRA Amendment Bill holds particular significance as it could affect non-governmental organisations and other entities receiving foreign funds. The FCRA, originally enacted in 2010 and amended in 2020, gives the government authority to regulate foreign contributions to ensure they do not adversely affect public interest or national security. The specific provisions of the proposed amendments have not yet been made public, and the government has not officially confirmed the bill's introduction.

The upcoming week's agenda indicates the government's priority areas, ranging from civil registration to judicial strengthening and MSME growth. The introduction of the Indian Statistical Institute Bill is notable because it may redefine the functioning of a premier research institution. Similarly, the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill could modernise legal procedures in commercial and financial disputes.

The government's legislative push comes at a time when opposition parties have demanded a response to their concerns over the police action during the 'Sansad Chalo' protest. The monsoon session, which began on July 20, is expected to continue for several weeks, and the passage of these bills will depend on the government's ability to manage parliamentary business amid disruptions.