Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Resolution Urging Centre to Withdraw FCRA Amendment Bill

CHENNAI, August 11, 2026: Raising concerns over the impact of proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the Union Government to withdraw the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, in its present form and hold wider consultations with stakeholders.

The resolution expressed concern over provisions dealing with the transfer, management, disposal and sale of assets belonging to charitable organisations in cases where FCRA registration expires, is not renewed, is cancelled or is surrendered. According to the Assembly, such measures could affect the independence of charitable institutions and hinder the functioning of educational and social welfare organisations, particularly those run by minority communities.

Presenting the resolution, School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity Minister Rajamohan said the proposed amendments had generated serious concerns regarding the future of organisations involved in public service and welfare activities.

The Assembly urged the Centre to engage in comprehensive consultations with State governments as well as charitable, religious, educational, medical and social organisations before proceeding with any amendments to the legislation.

The resolution further emphasised that any changes to the law should uphold the principles of natural justice, proportionality, protection of property rights, legitimate expectation and federalism. It maintained that while transparency and accountability in the utilisation of foreign contributions are important, safeguards must also be provided for organisations that function lawfully and contribute to education, healthcare, social welfare, culture and religious activities.

During the discussion, BJP legislator M. Bhojarajan defended the proposed legislation, arguing that the amendments were intended to prevent the misuse of foreign funds for anti-national activities. However, he did not take part in the voting when the resolution was put before the House.

With the unanimous adoption of the resolution, the Tamil Nadu Assembly formally conveyed its opposition to the Bill in its current form and urged the Union Government to reconsider the proposed amendments through a broader consultative process.

Courtesy: The Hindu