FCRA amendments: CBCI raises concerns over NGO licences and minority institutions

The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) has criticised proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Act amendments, warning they could expand central government powers over FCRA licence renewal and cancellation. It says new provisions may permit state control of NGO and minority institution funds and assets, and it has urged wider consultation and parliamentary deliberation.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) on Thursday raised strong objections to proposed changes in the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. CBCI described the Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, 2026, as risky in impact. CBCI said the Bill could widen government control over foreign-funded organisations. The group warned this could affect minority bodies and civil society groups.

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Bill proposed tighter checks on organisations receiving foreign contributions. It also proposed a new authority to seize and manage assets. This applied to non-profits that lost permission under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.

Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, 2026 and new authority

CBCI said the draft law created a statutory system for handling foreign contributions and related assets. CBCI noted the plan covered vesting, supervision, management and disposal. The framework included both provisional and permanent vesting through a designated authority. CBCI said such an authority could become highly powerful under the proposed structure.

CBCI objected to provisions that would empower the central government as the licensing authority ”to deny renewal or cancel licences and, through a newly proposed mechanism, assume control over institutions, funds, properties and assets of NGOs and minority bodies.

Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, 2026 and renewal powers

In a press statement, CBCI said the changes were presented as licence renewal steps. CBCI argued the same steps could allow executive overreach. CBCI linked this to constitutionally protected freedoms. CBCI also said minority institutions and civil society organisations could face undue interference in daily functioning.

Such measures are unacceptable and raise serious concerns regarding fairness, transparency, and accountability, it said.

Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, 2026 and constitutional concerns

CBCI said clauses allowing the Centre to take control after registration expiry were improper. According to the statement, such provisions were undemocratic, unconstitutional and against natural justice. CBCI said the amendments could place minority institutions under an overly strict regulatory system. CBCI added that this approach weakened democratic principles.

CBCI also questioned how the Bill reached Parliament. CBCI alleged it was introduced unilaterally despite protests from opposition MPs. CBCI asked for broader consultation and detailed debate on issues tied to fundamental rights. CBCI urged the government to reconsider the amendments. CBCI also sought removal of disputed clauses to protect rights, especially for minorities.

With inputs from PTI