Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has strongly criticized the proposed Foreign Funding Amendment Bill, 2026 (FCRA Amendment Bill) arguing that the legislation could fundamentally alter the relationship between the Indian state and civil society.
According to Tharoor, the proposed amendments go beyond regulating foreign funding and may increase the concentration of executive powers. He expressed concern that the new provisions could make it more difficult for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, charitable organizations, and other civil society groups to function effectively.
Tharoor stated that many organizations working in areas such as education, healthcare, environmental protection, human rights, and social welfare rely on foreign contributions to carry out development projects. He warned that stricter regulations could create additional administrative and legal hurdles for such institutions.
The Congress leader also argued that independent civil society organizations play an important role in a democratic system by supporting public welfare initiatives and encouraging citizen participation. According to him, excessive restrictions could discourage legitimate organizations from carrying out their work and reduce the space for independent voices.
He further alleged that the proposed legislation represents an attempt to reshape the relationship between the government and civil society while expanding executive authority. In his view, such changes may have long-term implications for organizations that depend on foreign funding for public service initiatives.
The Central Government, however, has maintained that the objective of the proposed amendments is to strengthen transparency, accountability, and oversight in the regulation of foreign contributions. The government has stated that periodic legal reforms are necessary to safeguard national interests and improve financial compliance.
The proposed bill has sparked political debate, with opposition parties raising concerns about its potential impact on civil society, while the government describes it as an important reform to ensure greater transparency and regulatory efficiency.
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