Kerala CM Vijayan slams FCRA Bill, says it increases minority anxiety

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has slammed the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, as a 'severe' measure and a 'direct assault' on civil society. He claims it creates anxiety among minority communities and provides a tool for arbitrary control over NGOs.

Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday strongly criticised the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it a "severe" measure which increases anxiety among minority communities. The Bill provides for the cessation of the FCRA certificate of an organisation upon expiry, non-renewal or refusal of renewal by the government. The amendments also establish a designated authority for "a comprehensive framework for vesting, supervision, management and disposal of foreign contribution and assets, including provisional and permanent vesting."

The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, with the stated objective of enhancing transparency and accountability of foreign contributions in India. However, CM Vijayan alleged that the Bill views a section of society with suspicion. "The stance on FCRA has already been made clear earlier. This is a country where all its people must be taken into confidence; viewing a section of the population with suspicion is in no way beneficial. However, the current situation in our country is that there is deep concern among certain sections of people, especially among the minority communities. This did not arise at a specific moment; it has been ongoing for some time. The positions taken [by the Centre] have not been ones that alleviate these concerns. Only measures that increase anxiety have come from the government's side, and the aforementioned FCRA is the most severe among them," the Chief Minister said.

'Direct Assault on Civil Society'

Earlier in an X post, Vijayan called the Bill a "direct assault" on civil societies. He criticised the 'designated authority,' saying that it creates a tool for "arbitrary control." "The Union Govt's move to push through the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 is a direct assault on the functioning of civil society. Granting sweeping powers to seize assets over technicalities, it creates a tool for arbitrary control against those serving the poor. This will severely impact education & healthcare for minority communities and the downtrodden. Democratic & secular forces must unite to ensure the withdrawal of these draconian provisions that will stifle social justice," the Chief Minister wrote on X on Wednesday.

Contention Ahead of Keralam Elections

The Bill has become a major issue of contention ahead of the Keralam Assembly elections, as the state houses a major Christian population and several NGOs and organisations drawing funds under the FCRA.

Bill's Stated Objectives

According to the statement of objects and reasons in the Bill, approximately 16,000 associations are registered under the Act across India and receive around Rs 22,000 crore annually. (ANI)

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