NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has raised concerns over reports that the Centre may withdraw the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, saying the move cannot be taken at face value.
Speaking in Nilambur, Tharoor said, “The Centre’s reported withdrawal of the FCRA Amendment Bill cannot be fully trusted. The urgency with which the government is attempting to introduce changes is difficult to understand. There is a possibility the Bill could be reintroduced when Parliament reconvenes on the 16th.”
He added that the opposition would remain alert, stating, “We will not allow the passage of any amendment that creates anxiety among religious minorities.”
His remarks come amid growing political pushback against the proposed legislation. A day earlier, opposition MPs staged a protest at Makar Dwar in Parliament, demanding the withdrawal of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. They argued that the changes could create uncertainty among NGOs and minority communities.
The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. While it was listed for discussion in the House earlier this week, it was not taken up.
The government has said the proposed amendments are aimed at improving transparency and accountability in foreign funding received in India, even as critics warn of potential implications for civil society organisations.
