FCRA Bill Faces Minority Concerns Ahead of Possible Rajya Sabha Push

The Story in Brief

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to meet minority community representatives on Thursday evening over concerns about the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, Times Now reports. The meeting comes as the Centre seeks parliamentary approval during the Monsoon Session. Times Now says the Bill could be taken up in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, while India TV reports that churches and Christian organisations oppose it, saying it targets their institutions and threatens civil liberties. Times Now also reports that the Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, 2026.

The proposed law would create a Designated Authority to oversee foreign funds and assets when an organisation’s FCRA registration ends, is cancelled or is not renewed. Assets could be returned if registration is restored within the prescribed period, or vest permanently with the authority otherwise. The Bill also provides for appeals, protects the religious character of places of worship, reduces the maximum jail term from five years to one, and requires central approval before state investigations begin.