Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Congress leader Carlos Ferreira has raised concerns over the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), describing them as harsh provisions that could be misused against minority institutions and civil society organisations. He cautioned that the changes may empower authorities to assume control over properties of organisations whose licences to receive foreign funds are cancelled or not renewed.
Ferreira said the proposed provisions appear to grant sweeping powers that could result in assets being transferred to government-appointed authorities once an organisation loses its FCRA registration. He expressed apprehension that such measures may affect institutions even when their properties were not entirely created through foreign contributions.
Drawing comparisons with laws that allow the state to take over unclaimed or disputed properties, he alleged that the amendments could open the door for seizure of assets and legal action against office-bearers of affected organisations. He warned that the framework leaves limited room for corrective steps once action is initiated.
The Congress leader further stated that minority-run institutions, charitable bodies and non-governmental organisations dependent on foreign funding may be particularly vulnerable under the proposed changes. He called for wider public discussion and careful scrutiny of the amendments before any decision is taken, stressing the need to safeguard democratic space and voluntary sector work.
