The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 introduces stricter government control over how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charities in India receive, manage, and utilize foreign funds.The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Home Affairs and has become a major flashpoint in Parliament during the monsoon session.Key Provisions of the BillAsset Takeover: If an organization's FCRA registration ceases due to cancellation, surrender, or non-renewal, all assets created wholly or partly from foreign contributions will vest in a newly established government-appointed Designated Authority.Asset Freezes/Locks: Organizations under active investigation or with suspended registrations are strictly prohibited from selling, transferring, or mortgaging any foreign-funded assets.Ban on Proselytisation: The bill formalizes an explicit ban on utilizing foreign contributions for any activities tied to religious proselytisation (religious conversions).Minimum Spending Threshold: NGOs must demonstrate a minimum utilization of 10 lakh rupees ($7,856 USD) in foreign contributions over two preceding financial years to qualify for license renewal.Personal Accountability: Key functionaries—including directors, trustees, and managers—face elevated personal legal liability and accountability for compliance violations.Government Stance vs. CriticismsThe Government's View: Proponents and the Pib.gov.in maintain that the legislation plugs legal loopholes, enhances transparency, prevents the misuse of foreign donations, and safeguards national security.The Opposition's View: Opposition parties (such as Congress and the Left) and civil society groups have strongly pushed back, temporarily stalling the bill's passage. They criticize the asset-seizure framework as draconian, arguing it grants excessive executive power to seize community institutions like schools and hospitals, disproportionately impacting minority and grassroots organizations. Detailed tracking of the legislation is available via PRS Legislative Research.