New Delhi: India on Friday pushed back against criticism from international quarters, including some US lawmakers, over the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), asserting that the matter falls within the country’s internal legislative process.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said decisions regarding the proposed changes would be taken by the Indian Parliament, while highlighting that several countries, including the United States, have regulations governing foreign funding.
Responding to questions during a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said legislative matters concerning India are decided through the country’s parliamentary process.
“We have indeed taken note of the issue, and there have been several comments on it. As far as legislative matters — and specifically India’s own legislative affairs — are concerned, this is an internal matter, and our Parliament makes the decisions regarding it,” Jaiswal said.
He added that regulating foreign contributions is not an India-specific practice, noting that many countries around the world have systems to monitor and control the flow of foreign funds.
“There are many nations across the world — including the United States — that regulate the flow of foreign funds,” the MEA spokesperson said.
The remarks came after US Congressman Riley M Moore criticised the proposed FCRA amendments, claiming they could allow government takeovers of churches and religious charities. Moore alleged that the proposed changes could impact Christian organisations and warned that the issue could affect India-US bilateral relations.
The Indian government did not respond directly to the allegations but maintained that changes to the FCRA are part of India’s sovereign legislative process.
The proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, which governs how individuals and organisations receive and utilise foreign donations, are expected to be introduced in Parliament next week.
The proposed reforms have triggered discussions among various stakeholders. While critics have raised concerns about their possible impact on NGOs, religious bodies and charitable institutions, the government has argued that the changes are aimed at ensuring greater transparency, accountability and proper utilisation of foreign funds.
