Why in news
- A Parliamentary Standing Committee chaired by MP Sanjay Jaiswal reviewed the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Key terms
FCRA
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act regulating foreign funding to domestic NGOs and institutions.
Prior Permission
Statutory route under FCRA allowing unregistered entities to receive specific foreign contributions.
Foreign Contribution
Donation, delivery, or transfer made by any foreign source of any article, currency, or security.
Standing Committee
Permanent parliamentary panel tasked with detailed scrutiny of legislative bills and ministry policies.
What is the FCRA, 2010?
- Central law enacted in 2010 (replacing the 1976 Act) administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs to regulate acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by individuals and associations.
- Mandates statutory registration or prior permission to ensure foreign hospitality and funding do not adversely affect national security or sovereignty.
Key Provisions and Context
- The 2026 Amendment Bill proposes further structural norms regarding the receipt and allocation of foreign donations.
- Stakeholders, including religious and charitable organizations, presented representations before the parliamentary panel concerning operational compliance and funding security.
Why it matters
- Balances national security oversight over foreign funds with the financial sustainability of non-governmental and civil society organizations.
Prelims facts
- FCRA licenses are granted and administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Mains discussion
- Impact of stringent FCRA compliance norms on civil society organizations and foreign funding transparency.
Source: Economic Times India
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2015 · Q8 · GS II · 12 marks
Examine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. -
2021 · Q15 · GS II · 15 marks
Do Department -related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples. -
2021 · Q88 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to Indian judiciary, consider the following statements : 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act as a Supreme Court judge by the Chief Justice of India with prior permission of the -
2022 · Q13 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recommendation of the President of India. 2. When a Constitution Amendment Bill is presented to the President of India, it is obligatory for the President of India to give his/her assent. 3. A Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha by a special majority and there is no provision for joint sitting. Which of the statements given above are correct? -
2015 · Q15 · GS II · 12 marks
If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there maybe no on left to protect. Critically Evaluate.