Amit Shah unveils new FCRA portal and e-OCI card, opposition raises concerns
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday launched a new online portal for Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registrations and an electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) card, aiming to streamline processes and enhance transparency. The move, however, drew criticism from opposition parties who expressed fears of increased government surveillance.
The FCRA portal, developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, is designed to simplify the registration and renewal process for NGOs and associations seeking foreign funds. It offers a single-window interface, real-time tracking, and automated compliance checks. Shah stated that the portal would reduce delays and curb misuse of foreign contributions.
The e-OCI card, meanwhile, will replace the traditional booklet-form OCI card. It will be issued electronically, allowing faster processing and easier verification. Beneficiaries can download the card online, eliminating the need for physical documents. The Ministry estimates that over 3.5 million existing OCI cardholders will benefit from the upgrade.
Opposition leaders, however, questioned the timing and intent of the launch. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera argued that the FCRA portal could be used to harass civil society groups critical of the government. “The government has already used FCRA to silence dissent; this portal is just a more efficient tool for the same,” he said. Other parties echoed concerns about data privacy and potential misuse of the e-OCI system for tracking diaspora activities.
The government defended the initiative, asserting that both platforms are designed to improve service delivery and compliance. Home Ministry officials clarified that the FCRA portal includes safeguards against arbitrary action, and the e-OCI card adheres to global privacy standards.
Political analysts suggest the launch may be part of a broader strategy to centralise and digitise government services ahead of the upcoming general elections. The Opposition’s reaction, they add, reflects ongoing tensions over civil liberties.
As of now, the portals are operational. NGOs and OCI cardholders can access them through the MHA website.
