BackLAW
The deferred FCRA bill calls for a quiet burial
India's government proposed a Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill to empower a designated authority to seize assets of NGOs whose licences are cancelled or not renewed. Critics, including Archbishop Joseph Dsouza, warned the measure could undermine church-run institutions. The bill has been deferred to the next Parliament session, with some observers suggesting the timing aimed to avoid impact on Kerala elections.
Why It Matters
The proposed amendment would centralize control over NGO assets and foreign contributions, affecting religious and other civil society institutions. Its deferment leaves questions about government policy toward NGOs and international perceptions of India’s handling of church-affiliated organizations.
Timeline
3 Events
FCRA Amendment Bill deferred till the next Parliament session
April 25, 2026
The government deferred the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill till the next session of Parliament. The deferral is discussed in the article as possibly aimed at avoiding adverse effects in the Kerala elections.
As of April 3, 2026, 14,965 FCRA-registered NGOs remain active
April 3, 2026
As of April 3, 2026, there are 14,965 active FCRA-registered NGOs.
NGO registrations cancelled since 2015
2015
Since 2015, registrations of more than 18,000 NGOs have been cancelled under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.