Dangerous for minority institutions: BJP govt’s FCRA amendments spark outrage
New Delhi: The BJP-led Indian government’s recent introduction of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha has sparked sharp criticism from political leaders and religious organizations, who warn it could lead to arbitrary action against minority institutions and charitable trusts.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed deep apprehension over provisions allowing authorities to take over assets—including places of worship and charitable trusts—for even “technical omissions.”
“The apprehension is that giving such a sweeping power to the authorities will be prone to arbitrary exercise, and such fears cannot be considered baseless,” Vijayan wrote. He added that the existing Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act already provides sufficient powers to address misuse and warned the amendment could hinder institutions providing education, health, and welfare services, “even when there are no substantial lapses on their part.”
Echoing these concerns, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) called the bill “dangerous and alarming,” warning it risks executive overreach into constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of minorities.
“The CBCI strongly objects to provisions that empower the Central Government to deny renewal or cancel licenses and subsequently assume control over the institutions, funds, properties, and assets of minority organizations and NGOs,” the statement read. “Such measures are unacceptable and raise serious concerns regarding fairness, transparency, and accountability.”
The CBCI also criticized the Modi government for pushing the bill unilaterally despite opposition protests, calling for wider consultation and deliberation on matters affecting fundamental rights.
Describing the amendments as “undemocratic, unconstitutional, and contrary to the principles of natural justice,” the CBCI urged the government to reconsider the bill and remove all contentious provisions to ensure the protection of constitutional rights, particularly those of minority communities.
