India Considers Joint Committee Review of NGO Funding Bill

The Government of India is considering referring the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny. Introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, the legislation proposes stricter oversight of non-governmental organisations and foreign funding, including the establishment of a designated authority to manage assets if an organisation loses its licence.

Opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, All India Trinamool Congress, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, have demanded the withdrawal of the Bill. These parties allege the legislation targets minorities and could choke funding for Christian NGOs and minority-run educational and social welfare institutions. The Biju Janata Dal suggested the referral to a joint committee as a path forward.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has conducted outreach efforts regarding the referral. While the government maintains the legislation is religion-neutral and intended solely to regulate contributions, a motion to refer the Bill to the committee may be brought in the Lok Sabha as early as August 12.