In Focus Podcast | Why has the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 sparked such outrage?

The government introduced the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 on March 25. The Bill aims to amend the FCRA Act, 2010.

The main thrust of the amendment is the introduction of a ‘Designated Authority’, which will have the power to take over the assets of an NGO, if it fails to renew its FCRA-certificate on time, or even if it voluntarily surrenders it.

The Bill has sparked outrage from Opposition parties and minority organisations. The CPM has said that the Bill represents an “attack on minorities” and that “the provisions of the Bill could result in takeover of minority places of worship and educational institutions.”

Does this Bill violate the principles of natural justice? Are the fears of minorities justified? What will its impact be on civil society organisations and on human rights groups, if it goes through?

We unpack the implications of this Bill in this episode of InFocus, and joining us is Noshir H. Dadrawala, a consultant who advises NGOs on compliance and regulatory issues.

Host: G Sampath

Producer and editor: Jude Weston

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