"Centre's move on FCRA could impact social service sector, affect support to poor ": Kerala CM Vijayan

Speaking at a press conference, he said, "The Centre's move to hastily bring amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act through Parliament raises serious concerns. It could significantly affect the functioning and independence of many organisations working in the social service sector, and in turn impact the support extended to the poor and marginalised sections."

He added, "There is apprehension that the amendment may restrict the vital services provided by organisations in areas such as education, healthcare, and relief work, particularly to the most vulnerable sections of society. The government shares the concern that this could have a major impact on minority communities as well."

Vijayan further said the FCRA amendment is politically motivated, threatens democracy and social justice, and urged the Centre to withdraw it.

"This move appears to be part of a political agenda aimed at controlling social activities and suppressing dissenting voices. Such an amendment goes against the spirit of democracy and social justice. We strongly urge the Central government to withdraw it immediately," said CM Vijayan.

Earlier today, Opposition MPs protested at the Makar Dwar of Parliament, demanding the withdrawal of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.

Congress MP Hibi Eden called it a "draconian law" that could affect minorities and NGOs across the country.

Speaking to ANI, Eden said, "It is a draconian law which will hamper the interests of not just the minorities but many NGOs running in India...We will strongly condemn and object, and demand withdrawal of this bill."

Congress MP Dharamvir Gandhi said,"...We are against it. It should be an impartial decision which benefits all sections of society; it cannot be selective."

Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premchandran said, "It is not the question of Christian or any particular community. It is a planned agenda on the part of the BJP to take away the privileges and rights of the minorities..."

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, has been listed for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha today, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah set to move that the Bill, which seeks further amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, be taken up for discussion.

The FCRA Bill, 2026, was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 25 and seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, and is aimed at enhancing the transparency and accountability of foreign contributions in India. (ANI)