Kottayam (Kerala), March 31 Union Minister of State George Kurian said on Tuesday that the proposed amendment to the FCRA regarding foreign donations was a positive move, and that there would be an opportunity to challenge it in court once it is passed.
Kurian, the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, as well as Minority Affairs, while speaking to reporters, said that it was a misunderstanding that places of worship would be taken over once the amendments are passed by Parliament.
The minister said that if an entity is not active or functional, it can be taken over by a designated authority as per the proposed amendments.
The amendments also allow for an appeal against the cancellation or non-renewal of a licence under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, which is not possible under the current law.
"So, with the new appeal provisions, an FCRA licence becomes a matter of right," he contended.
"Therefore, those opposing it should reconsider their stance. If the amendments are not passed, an FCRA licence will remain a matter of generosity and will not be a right," he said.
Kurian stated that 80 per cent of Christian organisations from Kerala seeking an FCRA licence were receiving it.
The minister also said that if there is a case against a bishop in Kerala, the FCRA funds of the entity connected with him will be blocked.
He said that the BJP has conveyed the concerns that have arisen in Kerala to the central leadership and that there will be a discussion on the bill in Parliament.