Pinarayi Flags FCRA Bill, Writes to PM Modi

• Pinarayi Vijayan writes to PM over FCRA Bill
• Flags concerns on provisions affecting minority institutions
• Warns of asset seizure due to technical lapses
• Urges Centre to reconsider and address stakeholder concerns

GG News Bureau
Thiruvananthapuram, 31st March: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concerns over provisions related to minorities in the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.

In his letter, Vijayan said certain clauses in the draft legislation have caused “serious apprehension” among minority communities and religious institutions across the country, urging the Centre to reconsider moving ahead with the bill in its current form.

The chief minister pointed to a provision under which an organisation’s FCRA registration would be deemed cancelled if its renewal application is rejected or not processed within the stipulated time. He warned that such clauses could lead to the Centre taking control of foreign contributions and associated assets.

Vijayan said that even minor procedural lapses or delays in renewal could result in cancellation of registration and temporary takeover of assets — a departure from provisions under the existing 2010 Act.

He further cautioned that such measures could disproportionately impact minority institutions, especially in the context of recent concerns raised by these groups.

The proposed amendments, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, aim to strengthen transparency and accountability in the use of foreign funds by NGOs and institutions.

However, critics argue that the new provisions grant sweeping powers to the Centre, including the ability to deny renewals, cancel licences and assume control over funds and assets.

Vijayan called for wider consultation and urged the government to address concerns raised by stakeholders before proceeding further with the legislation.