FCRA rules mark shift from regulating foreign contribution to voluntary organisations: CPI(M)

Published 25 June 2026 · politics

CPI-M'sRajya Sabha leader John Brittas urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (June 25, 2026) to withdraw the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026

CPI-M'sRajya Sabha leader John Brittas urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (June 25, 2026) to withdraw the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026, alleging that the new provisions mark a shift from regulating foreign contributions to regulating voluntary organisations themselves and raise "serious constitutional concerns". Also read | FCRA Bill — expanding state control over civil society In a letter to Mr. Shah, Mr. Brittas said the amendments represent "one of the most far-reaching executive interventions in the functioning of India's voluntary sector" since the enactment of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. He said while the regulation of foreign contributions is a legitimate sovereign function, it must remain anchored in constitutional principles and "cannot become an instrument for progressively constricting the functioning" of voluntary organisations, charitable institutions, educational establishments, humanitarian agencies and faith-based organisations.

The Left leader said the new rules, though appearing procedural, "fundamentally recast the regulatory architecture governing FCRA-registered organisations" by redefining governance structures, introducing purpose-specific classifications, geographically limiting operations, expanding personal liability and increasing oversight. "Collectively, these changes signify a decisive shift from regulating foreign contribution to regulating voluntary organisations themselves," he said, adding that when seen along with the pending Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, they indicate a move towards an "increasingly-centralised and restrictive regulatory regime". Objecting to the introduction of the term "proselytisation" in the schedule related to religious activities, Mr. Brittas said the expression has not been defined in either the FCRA or the amended rules and is "inherently susceptible to subjective and inconsistent administrative interpretation". He said the ambiguity can affect institutions engaged in religious literature, theological education, preservation of faith traditions, retreats and humanitarian work, leaving them uncertain about "where constitutionally-protected religious freedom ends and administratively-proscribed 'proselytisation' begins".

The CPI(M) leader also criticised the expanded disclosure requirements for FCRA-registered organisations, including details of activities, websites, social media accounts, publications and articles by associations or key functionaries. He said these provisions go beyond financial accountability and create an "extensive compliance and surveillance architecture". Brittas questioned the provision under Rule 14A that considers an organisation to have undertaken "reasonable activity" only if it has utilised at least ₹10 lakh of foreign contribution during the preceding two financial years, saying the value of voluntary work cannot be assessed only through expenditure. He also objected to the requirement that organisations specify purposes and the states and Union territories where they may operate, saying the change can undermine the flexibility needed by voluntary groups to respond during floods, cyclones, earthquakes, pandemics and other emergencies.