TN Assembly passes resolution opposing FCRA Amendment Bill
The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday, August 8, passed a resolution opposing the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, in its present form.The TN government is of the view that the amendment may adversely affect the autonomy of charitable organisations and, in particular, the functioning of educational and social welfare institutions run by minorities.The TVK Government has urged the Union Government to withdraw the bill.
After discussions and a subsequent voice vote, Speaker J C D Prabhakar announced that the resolution piloted by School Education Minister A Rajmohan was passed.
The resolution said any amendment must ensure natural justice, proportionality, protection of property rights, legitimate expectation and federalism. "While ensuring transparency and accountability in foreign contributions, it must also protect the rights of lawfully functioning charitable, educational, medical, religious, cultural and social welfare organisations," it said.
Premalatha Vijayakanth, chief of DMDK, spoke in support of the resolution.
The Tamil Nadu House's move comes amid mounting opposition to the FCRA Amendment Bill from political parties, churches and civil society organisations. Former Maharashtra chief minister and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan alleged the sole purpose of the bill was to stop funding to NGOs, scuttle the philanthropy movement, and target a particular religion.
Chavan, responding to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' statement that the FCRA Amendment Bill was necessary to curb anti-national activities, said the government already had laws to prosecute organisations if there was proof of wrongdoing.
In June this year, the government notified amended FCRA rules for receiving foreign funds, requiring non-governmental organisations to choose from a predefined list of purposes and areas of operation. While allowing a range of faith-based activities, the rules explicitly excluded proselytisation from several categories eligible for registration under the FCRA. Christian organisations, including the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), have appealed to the Union government to roll back the proposed legislation and the newly introduced rules.
In the Northeast, the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee has extended support to the proposed protest rally by the Council of Churches in Mizoram against the bill and called on the state government to convene a special session of the assembly to adopt a resolution opposing the legislation, echoing the Tamil Nadu Assembly's move.
(With inputs from PTI)
