Parliament

The Union Government has put the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 on hold following sustained protests and mounting political pressure, similar to the recent controversies surrounding the Lok Sabha women’s quota. The decision comes after days of disruption in Parliament and demonstrations outside, particularly at the Makar Dwar, where Opposition leaders and civil society groups gathered in large numbers.

Introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, the bill sought to expand the government’s powers over organisations receiving foreign funding. Its provisions quickly triggered concern across political and institutional circles, especially with Assembly elections approaching in states such as Kerala, where the issue has drawn strong local reaction.

At the centre of the proposed changes is a restructuring of enforcement under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. The amendment attempts to address what the government describes as gaps that arise after an organisation’s licence is cancelled, particularly in relation to assets created through foreign contributions, similar to the issues surrounding medical certification transgender.