Facing growing opposition from political parties, State governments and civil society groups, the Centre is likely to move a resolution in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed examination.

The development comes amid mounting demands for the withdrawal of the Bill in its current form. The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday passed a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the legislation and conduct wider consultations with stakeholders. In Mizoram, large numbers of Christians also participated in a mass rally against the proposed changes.

Centre Considers JPC Route

According to sources, the Union government has informed its allies and other political parties that it intends to move a resolution in the Lok Sabha seeking referral of the FCRA Bill to a JPC.

The move could provide the government with an opportunity to examine the contentious provisions in greater detail and hear representations from affected organisations and stakeholders before the legislation progresses further.

Congress general secretary and Rajya Sabha Chief Whip Jairam Ramesh pointed out that the Bill was not listed in the day's agenda and said the Opposition wanted the legislation withdrawn.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Resolution

The Tamil Nadu Assembly's resolution has added to the political pressure surrounding the proposed legislation.

Moving the resolution, Tamil Nadu Minister Rajamohan said the Assembly was "deeply concerned" about provisions dealing with the transfer, management and sale of assets belonging to charitable organisations.

The concerns specifically relate to situations in which an organisation's FCRA registration expires, is not renewed, is cancelled or is surrendered.

Concerns Over Charitable Organisations

The Tamil Nadu government has argued that the proposed provisions could affect the autonomy of charitable organisations operating in the country.

The Assembly resolution particularly highlighted educational and social welfare institutions run by minority communities, saying the provisions could adversely affect their functioning.

It urged the Centre to undertake comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders, including State governments, before proceeding with the legislation.

Mizoram Witnesses Mass Rally

The proposed amendments have also triggered protests in Mizoram, where Christians held a mass rally in the State capital.

The mobilisation reflects concerns among sections of the Christian community and organisations that the proposed changes could have implications for institutions and organisations that receive foreign contributions for charitable, educational and social welfare activities.

The protests have added a regional dimension to the debate over the Bill.

Opposition Seeks Withdrawal

The Opposition has criticised the proposed legislation and questioned the government's decision to introduce changes to the FCRA framework.

Congress leaders have maintained that the Bill should be withdrawn rather than being pushed through without adequate consultation.

The Opposition is also expected to raise concerns over provisions that could potentially affect the functioning and assets of organisations dependent on foreign contributions.

What Happens Next

If the government moves the resolution in the Lok Sabha, the JPC will examine the Bill and can seek views and submissions from political parties, government departments, State governments, experts and other stakeholders.

The committee's recommendations could lead to changes in the legislation before it is brought back for parliamentary consideration.

The proposed referral is therefore likely to delay the Bill's immediate legislative progress while providing a formal mechanism to examine the concerns raised by different sections.

The controversy surrounding the FCRA Bill has meanwhile widened beyond Parliament, with State-level opposition in Tamil Nadu and street protests in Mizoram putting additional pressure on the Centre to address concerns over the proposed changes.