The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member, Priyank Kanoongo, has criticized Opposition leaders protesting outside Parliament for their support of organizations involved in religious conversions through foreign funding. Kanoongo highlighted that the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) aim to prevent misuse of foreign contributions for religious conversions. The Union government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is leading these amendments to address concerns regarding foreign donations.
The amendments to the FCRA have sparked a political debate, with the government emphasizing transparency and national interest protection, while opposition parties, including the Congress and the Left Democratic Front (LDF), argue that these changes could restrict NGO operations. The FCRA governs the receipt and utilization of foreign funds by Indian organizations, particularly NGOs working in various sectors like education, healthcare, environment, and human rights. Compliance requirements have become stricter over time, impacting the functioning of grassroots groups.
The latest amendment Bill, introduced by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, includes provisions for a government-appointed authority to manage assets created using foreign funds if an organization’s FCRA license is revoked. Opposition leaders have strongly criticized the Bill, labeling it as “malafide” and “undemocratic.” Congress MPs have raised constitutional concerns, alleging that the Bill violates key provisions and could disproportionately affect minority communities and organizations in remote areas. Leaders of the LDF in Kerala view the amendments as an attempt to exert control over civil society organizations beyond regulating foreign funding.
