Sanjay Jaiswal Named to Lead JPC Review of FCRA Amendment Bill

The Lok Sabha Secretariat confirmed the committee’s composition, which includes 21 members from the Lower House and four from the Rajya Sabha. Notable members include Tejasvi Surya, Supriya Sule, A. Raja, and former diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla. This panel will evaluate the bill before reporting back to Parliament during the upcoming Winter Session.

The legislation has sparked a sharp political divide. Opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress, contend that the proposed amendments grant the government excessive control over foreign funding, potentially enabling selective targeting of NGOs and minority institutions. Conversely, the government argues the changes are necessary to tighten oversight and safeguard national interests by preventing the misuse of foreign contributions.

The committee’s review provides a venue for stakeholders to present their arguments before the bill returns to the floor. Despite the referral, several opposition leaders have signaled their intent to maintain their resistance to the bill regardless of the committee’s findings. The FCRA framework currently regulates how associations and individuals receive and spend foreign funds, and this amendment cycle marks a significant move to reshape that oversight.