NEW DELHI: The Centre is likely to send the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed scrutiny, amid objections from Christian representatives and opposition parties, news agency ANI reported citing sources.The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, seeks to amend the FCRA, 2010, which regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations and companies in India.Although the Bill has not yet been listed for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha, the government had earlier indicated that it could be taken up on August 12.According to sources, Christian representatives met Union home minister Amit Shah and sought either withdrawal of the Bill or its referral to a JPC, citing concerns over its provisions.The development follows a meeting between Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma and Shah, during which the chief minister raised regional concerns and submitted recommendations on the proposed legislation. Lalduhoma was accompanied by Reverend John Raldosanga, chairman of the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitu Committee (MKHC), and Reverend Lalhmangaiha, general secretary of the Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM).“The only thing that is very clearly mentioned to us is that it’s not going to be retrospective. That assurance was given to us, and the rest of the points will be given a paragraph-wise comment by him… the discussion on the 12th of this month in Parliament,” Lalduhoma had said.Separately, a delegation led by DMK leader P Wilson met Shah and submitted a memorandum raising concerns that the proposed legislation “impacts religious minorities and civil society”.The delegation also flagged provisions including Section 14B and Chapter IIIA, arguing that delays on the FCRA Online Portal or minor technical non-compliances could lead to automatic cessation of registration and trigger the provisional or permanent vesting of assets with a state-notified Designated Authority.A major proposed change is the creation of a Designated Authority to oversee foreign contributions and assets belonging to organisations whose FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or ceases to remain valid.Under the proposed provisions, an organisation losing its FCRA registration would initially have its foreign contributions and assets vested provisionally with the Designated Authority. If its registration is restored or renewed within the prescribed period, the assets and unused foreign funds would be returned. Otherwise, the assets could vest permanently with the authority.The Bill also provides for cessation of an FCRA certificate following its expiry, non-renewal or refusal of renewal, including in cases where an organisation becomes defunct or its registration ceases.For assets such as places of worship, the proposed law requires the Designated Authority to preserve their religious character. It also provides for revision and judicial appeal against orders issued by the authority.The Bill proposes changes to the penalty framework as well, including reducing the maximum imprisonment for violations from five years to one year. It further proposes that state agencies obtain prior approval from the Centre before launching investigations under the FCRA.
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Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu assembly adopted a state government sponsored resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, alleging it may adversely affect the autonomy of charitable organisations and functioning of institutions run by minorities.The monsoon session of Parliament began on July 20 and is scheduled to conclude on August 13. Proceedings have repeatedly been disrupted by opposition protests over several issues, including Delhi Police action against protesters on July 20. Several Bills have been passed in the Lok Sabha amid opposition protests and limited debate.
