FCRA Amendment Bill 2026: Lok Sabha clears JPC referral amid Opposition uproar

Opposition protests as Lok Sabha approves JPC referral of FCRA Amendment Bill (Pic/PTI)

The Central government's resolution to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was accepted by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday amid massive uproar by the Opposition members.

The JPC will consist of 21 MPs from the Lok Sabha and 10 Rajya Sabha members.

The resolution listed in the supplementary list of business mentioned, "The Committee shall make a report to this House by the last day of the first week of the Winter Session 2026; that in other respects, the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of this House relating to Parliamentary Committees shall apply with such variations and modifications as the Speaker may make; and that this House recommends to Rajya Sabha that Rajya Sabha join the said Joint Committee and communicate to this House names of the Members to be appointed by Rajya Sabha to the Joint Committee," as per IANS.

Union Minister Nitynand Rai moved the motion to refer FCRA bill

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai moved the motion to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a JPC.

Congress member K.C. Venugopal said that the Opposition demands the complete withdrawal of the Bill as it is focused on targeting NGOs and the "minority" organisations and institutions.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "The Bill does not aim to ‘target minorities', while also pointing out that the Opposition itself had demanded the Bill to be sent to the JPC. He said the Bill only ensures the security of the country," as per IANS.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav while countering Rijiju stated, "There isn't a single Bill which the government brought and was not only focused on minorities," as cited by IANS.

Kiren Rijiju slams SP chief Akhilesh Yadav

Responding to Akhilesh Yadav, Kiren Rijiju stated that the country is not a "banana republic" and is run by the Constitution, adding that there is no provision in the Bill that 'targets the minorities'.

Amid the relentless sloganeering, the resolution to send the FCRA Bill to the JPC was adopted in the Lok Sabha by a voice vote. Subsequently, the House was adjourned till 3 pm.

(With inputs from IANS)