A.P. Christian leaders urge Centre to withhold proposed FCRA Amendment Bill
The Andhra Pradesh Christian Leaders Forum (APCLF), an apex body representing Christian leaders and organisations in the State, has urged the Centre to withhold the
The Andhra Pradesh Christian Leaders Forum (APCLF), an apex body representing Christian leaders and organisations in the State, has urged the Centre to withhold the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, scheduled to be introduced in Parliament on August 12 (Wednesday), and to refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for comprehensive review. Addressing a press conference in Vijayawada on Tuesday, APCLF leaders and representatives of FCRA-registered organisations demanded that the proposed amendments be withheld in their entirety, along with a review of the functioning of the FCRA Act, 2010.
They also sought complete repeal of Section 15, which provides for vesting of foreign contributions and assets created from them under certain circumstances. APCLF chairman Oliver Rayi said the proposed amendments could turn the regulatory framework into a “confiscatory regime”. He expressed concern over provisions that could result in the provisional vesting of foreign contributions and assets of organisations following cancellation, surrender or cessation of FCRA registration. He said the proposed mechanism lacked adequate safeguards such as prior notice, independent adjudication, compensation and a clear right of return.
Andhra Pradesh RTI Commissioner Samuel Johnathan said the proposed expansion of the definition of “key functionary” could bring trustees, governing body members and others within an expanded scope of liability. He argued that such provisions could affect the autonomy of civil society organisations and their welfare activities. The leaders
also opposed provisions they claimed could affect charitable, educational, medical and religious institutions. They urged the Centre to withdraw punitive provisions in the proposed amendments and recent rules, and called for a JPC examination of FCRA renewals, cancellations, alleged misuse, constitutional safeguards and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements.
The BriefWire