Govt signals openness to sending FCRA Amendment Bill to JPC for scrutiny

New Delhi: The Union government has signalled that it is willing to send the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC), for larger scrutiny. The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25.

During the Business Advisory Committee meeting of the Rajya Sabha, the government asked for opinions from Opposition members. From the government side, Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, leader of the Rajya Sabha JP Nadda, Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and minister L Murugan were present.

Also read: FCRA Amendment Bill needed to curb anti-national activities: Maharashtra CM Fadnavis


Congress, TMC, DMK and CPI(M) demanded withdrawal of the bill. BJD MP Sasmit Patra demanded that the bill be sent to a JPC. Patra, however, clarified that this was his personal opinion and his party BJD has not taken a stand on this. On Monday, Patra had said that several Chirstian community leaders have met the government demanding the bill be sent to a JPC.

"There are serious concerns and these concerns have to be addressed only through a JPC. I also demand a JPC," Patra said.

Samajwadi Party leaders were not present at the meeting.

Also read: Tamil Nadu assembly opposes FCRA Amendment Bill, seeks withdrawal in current form


"The bill is draconian and along with other concerns, it curbs the freedom of speech. Therefore, we demand withdrawal of the bill," John Brittas of CPI(M) told ET.

A few days ago, Mizoram CM Lalduhoma, along with Church bodies, met Union home minister Amit Shah and submitted a memorandum seeking changes in the bill. Certain provisions of the bill, such as its application with retrospective effect, is of concern to several organisations as well as Opposition parties.