Thiruvananthapuram, March 29 The proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) have emerged as a key election issue in Kerala, with both the UDF and the LDF urging the Centre to reconsider the Bill on Sunday.
The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend existing norms governing foreign contributions, has drawn criticism from political parties and religious bodies in the state.
Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed concern over the proposed changes.
"A particular concern is the provision that enables the central government to assume control over the assets of organizations in cases where licenses are delayed in renewal or not renewed," he said.
He said the amendments have triggered apprehensions among people, particularly minority-run organizations and institutions engaged in charitable and social service activities.
"Minority institutions, which have historically played a significant role in education, healthcare, and social service, are especially anxious about these developments," he said.
Satheesan cautioned that the changes could disproportionately impact such institutions, impose additional administrative burdens, and hinder their ability to carry out essential community work.
He urged the Centre to review the amendments to ensure that bona fide organizations are not adversely affected.
Meanwhile, the CPI(M) state secretariat alleged that the Bill amounts to an “attack on minorities” and expressed serious concern over its provisions.
In a statement, the party said the Bill contains stringent provisions targeting NGOs, trusts, societies, and other institutions receiving foreign contributions.
It said that if an NGO's license is cancelled, its assets cannot be transferred or sold without prior approval of the central government, and that the funds and assets of such organizations would be handed over to authorities appointed by the government.
It said that if registration is not restored, such assets could be permanently taken over and used for “public purposes”.
The CPI(M) alleged that the provisions could pave the way for the takeover of minority places of worship and educational institutions, and warned that the move would lead to unwarranted interference in the functioning of minority institutions and civil society organizations.
"The powers granted to the Centre to cancel or renew licenses and to take control of assets through designated authorities are unacceptable," the statement said, adding that the Bill was passed ignoring concerns raised by opposition parties.
Earlier in the day, Archbishop Thomas Tharayil of the Changanassery Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church also raised concerns over the proposed amendments and said the Church has approached the Centre seeking reconsideration.
Both the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) have already expressed similar concerns.
Addressing reporters, Tharayil said the Church has been receiving foreign funds for decades to support welfare activities.
"With such funds, we have been able to build schools and hospitals in small villages. Instead of recognizing these as service activities, portraying them as anti-national is saddening. This Bill could bring an end to several charitable works," he said.
He also expressed concern over the manner in which the proposal was approved by the Union Cabinet and introduced in Parliament.
"There is already an existing law that is strictly monitored. We are concerned about the need for further amendments," he said.
Tharayil alleged that foreign funding is being portrayed as problematic and warned that institutions built using such funds could be taken over if licenses are not renewed.