MP S Supongmeren Jamir Urges Amit Shah to Delay FCRA Amendment Bill

Kohima, India Aug 11, 2026 ALN: Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) S Supongmeren Jamir has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to defer the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, until comprehensive consultations are held with all stakeholders and political parties. Jamir expressed concern over the potential impact of the bill on institutions engaged in education, healthcare, and charitable services, which play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of the country.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), originally enacted in 1976, aims to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions or foreign hospitality by certain individuals or associations. The Act seeks to ensure that such contributions do not adversely affect the sovereignty and integrity of India. However, over the years, there have been various amendments to the Act, reflecting the changing political and social landscape of the country. The proposed Amendment Bill, 2026, is seen as a significant overhaul of the existing framework, which has raised concerns among various stakeholders.

In a communication to the Home Minister dated August 11, Jamir cautioned that while regulation of foreign contributions is necessary to safeguard national security and public order, the new legislation must not adversely affect legitimate welfare organisations. He articulated the need for a balanced approach that does not stifle the essential services provided by these organisations, many of which rely heavily on foreign funding to operate effectively.

One of the key provisions of the proposed bill is the establishment of a “Designated Authority” that would oversee the vesting, supervision, and disposal of assets of organisations whose FCRA certificates have been cancelled, surrendered, or not renewed. This provision has raised alarm among many civil society organisations, as it could lead to the arbitrary seizure of assets, thereby jeopardizing the operations of institutions that provide vital services to marginalized communities.

Jamir cautioned that such provisions could have serious consequences for institutions that have utilised foreign funds to create educational, healthcare, and other public-service infrastructure, particularly those serving vulnerable sections of society. He underscored the importance of these organisations in addressing critical issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, and social justice, which are paramount in a diverse and populous country like India.

In his letter, Jamir stressed that the framework must be examined in light of constitutional protections, including Article 300A, which provides that no person shall be deprived of property except by authority of law. This constitutional safeguard is fundamental to ensuring that individuals and organisations are not unjustly deprived of their assets without due process. He called for adequate safeguards, transparency, and due process to be embedded within the legislation to prevent misuse and ensure fairness.

Moreover, citing data from the FCRA portal as of July 15, 2026, compiled by PRS Legislative Research, Jamir noted that a staggering 22,498 FCRA registrations have been cancelled across the country, while 15,212 certificates have expired without renewal. He mentioned that out of a total of 262 FCRA registrations, approximately 70 percent have been cancelled, indicating a significant tightening of regulations in recent years. This trend raises concerns about the sustainability of organisations that are crucial for various social services, especially in sectors like education and healthcare.

Jamir also referred to around 14,444 organisations currently engaged in activities including colleges, orphanages, healthcare, and charitable work. These entities often function as lifelines for many communities, providing essential services that the state may not fully cover. The potential repercussions of the proposed amendments could severely limit their ability to operate, leading to a decline in the quality and availability of services that many depend on.

In light of these concerns, Jamir emphasised that organisations in these sectors perform important nation-building functions and should not be penalised by regulatory measures intended to address misuse of foreign contributions. He urged the government to hold extensive consultations with all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, political parties, and experts, to ensure that the final legislation balances national security and financial accountability with constitutional rights, humanitarian concerns, and the legitimate activities of civil society.

“The proposed FCRA Bill, 2026 should not be taken up until all stakeholders and political parties are given an opportunity for wide consultation in the greater interest of the country,” Jamir said in his letter. This call for consultation reflects a broader concern about the need for inclusive governance, where policy decisions are made transparently and with input from those who will be directly affected.

The implications of the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill extend beyond just regulatory changes; they touch upon fundamental issues of civil liberties, the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the overall health of India’s democratic fabric. As the country grapples with various social challenges, the importance of a vibrant civil society cannot be overstated. NGOs often fill critical gaps in service delivery, advocacy, and community mobilization, and any regulatory framework that undermines their functioning could have far-reaching consequences.

The debate surrounding the FCRA Amendment Bill is emblematic of a larger discourse on the relationship between the state and civil society in India. It raises questions about the extent to which the government should regulate foreign funding and the criteria used to determine the legitimacy of organisations receiving such funds. As the legislative process unfolds, it will be crucial for lawmakers to consider the voices of those who stand to be impacted by these changes and to strive for a framework that upholds the principles of democracy, accountability, and social justice.