FCRA Bill: Church bodies welcome JPC referral, demand clause-by-clause review

The government’s decision to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has been described as a “positive step” by a coalition of Church bodies, which said it offers an important opportunity for a comprehensive, clause-by-clause review of the bill’s provisions and their implications.

The Joint Action Forum on Minorities, which had led a delegation of Church representatives to meet Home Minister Amit Shah last week, said the referral opens the door for scrutiny of the proposed legislation. The delegation, representing Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox Churches across India, had asked that the bill be withdrawn entirely or, alternatively, referred to a JPC along with a review of the working of the principal Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.

On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha decided by a voice vote to send the bill to a JPC. In a statement on social media platform X, DMK MP P Wilson, who chairs the forum, thanked DMK president M K Stalin and all opposition parties for their unified demand to withdraw the bill. While the government did not agree to a full withdrawal, Wilson said the referral was a positive step.

Wilson, a senior advocate, noted that the issue requires a balance between the government’s authority over financial control and the rights of minority institutions to receive charitable contributions. These contributions fund schools, colleges, hospitals and other public service institutions, he said, adding that the government would be unable to fund these activities if contributions cease.

He expressed hope that the JPC will listen to all stakeholders and carefully consider the constitutional, legal and practical concerns raised by religious, educational, healthcare, charitable and civil society institutions.

Asir Ebenezer, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), also welcomed the move. The NCCI was part of the delegation that met the Home Minister as part of the Joint Action Forum on Minorities. Ebenezer said the organisation looks forward to engaging with the JPC as it prepares its report for the Winter session.

“On behalf of the historic and nationally networked Protestant and Orthodox Churches in India representing the religious and mission aspirations of 19 million Christians, we thank the Home Minister and the government for heeding to the request of the Christian community,” he said.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act governs the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations and organisations in India. It requires entities receiving foreign funds to register with the government and file annual returns. The amendment bill is aimed at tightening the rules further.

The referral to a JPC means the bill will now undergo detailed examination by a panel comprising members from both Houses of Parliament. The committee is expected to hear stakeholders and submit its report before the bill is considered further.