Introductory Memo
Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) introduced the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, in Parliament. This is to regulate the financial functioning of civil society and non-governmental organisations that receive foreign funding. The Bill proposes a ‘designated authority’ to take control of, and dispose of, assets created through such funding when an organisation’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act or FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, or expires. The Bill is a move to close legal gaps, improve transparency, and curb misuse of foreign funds for politically or religiously motivated activities. However, opposition parties have criticised the amendment as an overreach into civil society, raising concerns about its broader implications. But is it so?