The Indian government has deferred the debate on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, following protests by the Opposition and a controversy in poll-bound Kerala.
The bill, which had evoked sharp reactions from Opposition leaders, particularly the Kerala lawmakers, was feared to target Christian groups under the new law.
A controversial provision in the bill stated that the government can appoint a “designated authority” to take over, manage, or sell assets created from foreign funds by an non-governmental organisation whose licence under FCRA was cancelled, suspended, or simply not renewed.
Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Lok Sabha that the bill would not be taken up, amidst protests by the Opposition.
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed the bill as a “direct assault on the functioning of civil society” and accused the Union government of trying to seize assets over technicalities.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal alleged that the “blatantly unconstitutional law will destroy NGOs and community organisations, especially those run by minority communities”.
