Team Goemkarponn
GOA: The Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) and the Catholic Association of Goa (CAG) have jointly appealed to Catholic MLAs in the Goa Legislative Assembly to clarify their personal stand on the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and raise concerns of Goan civil society during the upcoming Assembly session.
The organisations said the proposed Bill seeks to create a stringent framework for supervising, managing and disposing of foreign contributions and assets of organisations whose FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, expires or is not renewed. It also proposes a Designated Authority with wide-ranging powers.
While acknowledging the need for transparency and financial accountability, CSJP and CAG expressed concern that certain provisions could affect genuine charitable, educational, healthcare and social-service institutions if enacted without adequate safeguards.
The groups said several such institutions in Goa have for decades provided assistance to poor, vulnerable and marginalised communities, irrespective of religion, caste, language or political affiliation.
They highlighted concerns over possible excessive or arbitrary administrative powers affecting the functioning, autonomy, funds and assets of public-service organisations. They also called for safeguards based on natural justice, including proper notice, a fair hearing, reasoned orders and an effective right of appeal.
With the Bill currently referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further review, the organisations urged MLAs to demand comprehensive stakeholder consultations during the Assembly session and seek robust statutory safeguards against discriminatory or arbitrary action.
CSJP and CAG also appealed to representatives to move or support a private-member resolution urging the Union Government and the Joint Parliamentary Committee to reconsider or suitably amend provisions that may adversely affect legitimate public-service activities.
The organisations said Goans are awaiting a clear response from their elected representatives on the steps they intend to take to protect constitutional safeguards and democratic accountability.
