DMK president MK Stalin has called upon the Union Government to withdraw the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and repeal Section 15 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. This appeal was made following a meeting between a delegation and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 6, 2026. The delegation, composed of religious leaders and members of the Joint Action Forum on Minorities, pressed for the repeal of the Bill.

In a statement published on X, Stalin highlighted that the delegation was led by DMK Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson and included various representatives from different religious denominations across India. He stated that they urged the Home Minister to either withdraw the proposed legislation or refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for a more comprehensive review of the Act’s implementation.

Stalin reinforced the DMK’s opposition to the Bill, which he argued has significant implications for minority rights in the country. The ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament has been cited as an appropriate time for the Union Government to take necessary actions regarding the concerns raised.

Key Provisions Of The Amendment Bill

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, includes provisions aimed at establishing a Designated Authority responsible for overseeing foreign contributions and assets belonging to entities whose FCRA registration has been cancelled or lapsed. This purported oversight features various compliance measures for organisations receiving foreign funding.

Furthermore, the proposed legislation contains stipulations regarding the religious character of places of worship and sets a reduced maximum penalty for non-compliance, decreasing it from five years’ imprisonment to one year. Section 15 of the FCRA empowers the Central Government to manage the foreign contributions and assets of any organisation whose registration has been revoked.

The amendment has been met with criticism from various stakeholders, who argue that it threatens the autonomy of non-governmental organisations, charitable trusts, and religious bodies. The DMK has consistently voiced concerns about the potential impact on minority communities, emphasising the need for transparent governance in foreign funding.

Current Status Of FCRA Registrations

As of July 15, 2026, official records indicate that there were 14,449 active FCRA registrations in India. In contrast, 22,498 registrations had been cancelled, while an additional 15,212 registrations had expired. These figures suggest that a substantial number of entities are no longer eligible to receive foreign contributions.

According to data released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, between 2019 and 2022, approximately 13,520 organisations received foreign remittances, totalling Rs 55,741 crore. This significant inflow of funding highlights the importance of the FCRA framework in facilitating overseas funding for a diverse array of sectors, including non-profits, educational institutions, and other charitable organisations.

The ongoing debate surrounding the amendment is likely to continue as minority rights advocates express their concerns and seek greater accountability in the financial practices of organisations using foreign funds. The final outcomes will depend on the actions taken by the Union Government in response to these pressing issues.

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