JPC hears 22 Northeast groups on FCRA Bill review in Shillong
The Joint Parliamentary Committee has requested clarifications from certain organisations within 15 days during its regional study visit.
Representatives from 22 religious and non-profit organisations met the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in Shillong on Monday to discuss the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. According to The Assam Tribune, the committee members received presentations regarding concerns and suggestions related to the proposed law.
JPC chairman Sanjay Jaiswal stated that the committee is consulting various stakeholders across the Northeast to ensure a comprehensive review. He noted that the committee will travel to Kochi and Chennai next for further consultations.
Jaiswal said the amendment is necessary because unscrutinised foreign funding could pose risks to national security. He mentioned that out of an annual total of about Rs 22,000 crore in foreign contributions, only 6 per cent goes to religious organisations, while the rest goes to other NGOs.
The chairman added that the current distribution figures might not show the full extent of religious funding, as some non-governmental organisations may be indirectly managed by religious bodies. He said the committee is listening to all parties before finishing its report for Parliament.
The JPC was formed after Christian and other groups raised concerns about a clause allowing authorities to take control of assets if an organisation loses its Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) certificate. The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25 to increase government oversight of foreign funding.
The 31-member committee, consisting of 21 Lok Sabha and 10 Rajya Sabha members, must submit its report by the final day of the first week of the 2026 Winter Session.