FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 faces demand for JPC scrutiny

Why in the News

The Opposition, the Mizoram Chief Minister, and Christian bodies are pressing for the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) before the coming session.

What is the FCRA?

1. Definition: The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) governs the receipt and use of foreign funds by individuals, associations, and NGOs in India.
2. Registration regime: Organisations need FCRA registration or prior permission to receive foreign donations, with periodic renewal.

Why is the amendment contested?

1. Compliance burden: Critics argue tighter conditions could choke funding for civil society and faith-based organisations.
2. Federal and minority concern: State governments and church bodies see the changes as targeting specific organisations.
3. Scrutiny demand: Referral to a JPC is sought to allow detailed clause-by-clause examination before passage.

Requirement for JPC Referral

A Bill can be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) when:

1. Either House proposes referral: The Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha may move a motion to refer the Bill to a JPC.
2. House approval: The motion must be approved by the concerned House.
3. Agreement of both Houses: Since a JPC includes members from both Houses, the other House must also agree to the referral.
4. Government or Opposition request: Referral can be proposed by the government or opposition, but Parliament decides.
5. No constitutional compulsion: There is no mandatory constitutional requirement that a Bill must be sent to a JPC.

Note: A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is not a constitutional body, as the Constitution of India does not explicitly provide for or mandate its creation. Instead, a JPC is an ad-hoc (temporary) parliamentary committee established by the Parliament of India under the Rules of Procedure of the houses for a specific purpose, duration, and mandate

[2025, GS2, 10 marks] Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors rather than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify.”

[2014] Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?

[A] The Committee on Public Accounts

[B] The Committee on Estimates

[C] The Committee on Public Undertakings

[D] The Committee on Petitions.