New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticised the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, describing it as a major expansion of the Central government’s powers that could significantly alter the functioning of civil society organisations across India.
The legislation, expected to be introduced in Parliament next week, proposes the creation of a Designated Authority that would take over the management of foreign contributions and assets created using foreign funds if an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, or allowed to expire without renewal. In cases involving places of worship, the authority would also be required to preserve their religious character.
Tharoor argued that the proposed amendments represent a fundamental shift in the relationship between the government and non profit organisations. He claimed that charities, think tanks and human rights groups are increasingly being viewed with suspicion, leading to stricter regulations on foreign funding.
According to Tharoor, previous amendments to the FCRA have already imposed significant compliance requirements, including restrictions on sub granting, lower limits on administrative expenses and mandatory banking through a single branch in New Delhi. He said these measures have resulted in a sharp decline in foreign funding, forcing many charitable and community based organisations to shut down.
The Thiruvananthapuram MP also raised concerns over the provision allowing the government to assume control of assets linked to organisations that lose their FCRA registration. He warned that hospitals, schools, educational institutions and welfare organisations dependent on foreign grants could face severe disruption if their properties are transferred to state control.
Drawing from Kerala’s experience, Tharoor highlighted the long standing contribution of Christian charitable institutions in healthcare, education and social welfare. He said these organisations have served people across communities for decades and cautioned that the proposed law could destabilise institutions that provide essential public services.
Calling the Bill anti democratic, Tharoor urged Opposition parties to unite in Parliament and oppose the proposed legislation. Government data shows that 13,520 organisations received ₹55,741 crore in foreign contributions between 2019 and 2022, while as of July 15, 2026, 14,449 organisations held active FCRA registrations, with thousands of others having their registrations cancelled or expired.
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