Now Reading: FCRA changes stoke minority fears of asset seizure
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FCRA changes stoke minority fears of asset seizure
The government is making a second attempt to pass the Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026, after deferring it in April amid criticism. A key provision allows the seizure of assets created…
The Story in Brief
The government is making a second attempt to pass the Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026, after deferring it in April amid criticism. A key provision allows the seizure of assets created from foreign funds if an organisation's FCRA certificate is cancelled or not renewed. The government assures that assets like schools and hospitals built over decades will not be retrospectively seized.
Critics argue the bill gives the government enormous discretion with no prior judicial checks. Organisations have no right to a hearing before their certificate is revoked, and can only appeal to a government-appointed authority, not a court. Rights groups say this disproportionately targets Christian and Muslim charities, which have faced intense FCRA scrutiny under the Modi government. The bill also leaves crucial operational details to executive rules, bypassing parliamentary scrutiny.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative that the FCRA amendments are purely about national security is one-sided. Critics rightly ask why the bill gives the government unchecked power to seize assets without judicial review. This is not just about regulating foreign funds; it is about potential misuse against minorities. The government must prove its intent is not punitive. A simple test: will the final law include an independent appellate mechanism before any seizure? Without that, fears of targeting Christian and Muslim institutions are justified.
Source: deccanchronicle.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
