KOZHIKODE: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress MP K. C. Venugopal on Thursday strongly criticised the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging that it could heighten anxiety among minority communities and reflect discriminatory intent.
The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, seeks to amend the existing Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 with the stated aim of improving transparency and accountability in the management of foreign contributions. It proposes that an organisation's FCRA certificate will cease upon expiry, non-renewal, or refusal of renewal by the government. Additionally, it outlines the creation of a designated authority to oversee the supervision, management, and disposal of foreign contributions and related assets.
However, Vijayan described the amendment as a "severe" measure, arguing that it fosters distrust toward certain sections of society. He said that the country is already witnessing growing concern among minority groups and that recent measures by the Centre have failed to alleviate these fears, instead intensifying them.
Echoing similar concerns, Venugopal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of maintaining double standards. He alleged that while party leaders symbolically engage with the Christian community during festivals like Christmas, they simultaneously pursue policies and actions that target the same community. Venugopal claimed that the FCRA amendment is part of a broader pattern of measures that adversely affect Christian institutions and individuals. (ANI)
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