Kerala Assembly passes resolution urging Centre to withdraw FCRA changes
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Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Assembly on Wednesday passed a special resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026, with the BJP emerging as the only party opposing the move in the House.
The resolution was passed with 111 votes in favour and two against it, with two BJP members voting against the motion after their proposed amendments were rejected.
BJP member V. Muraleedharan, who moved amendments to the resolution, argued that state legislatures did not have the authority to seek changes to laws enacted by Parliament. He also contended that passing such a resolution went against the principles of federalism.
However, the Assembly rejected the amendments before adopting the original resolution with an overwhelming majority.
While moving the resolution, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan alleged that the proposed amendments were aimed at bringing voluntary organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under greater central control, thereby reducing the autonomy of civil society institutions.
He said the changes would negatively impact organisations working in areas such as welfare, healthcare, education, rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, disaster relief and other humanitarian services. He added that such institutions play an important role in Kerala by supporting government efforts in delivering essential services.
The resolution stated that the amended Rules would restrict organisations to 105 specified activity sectors, introduce additional registration requirements for operations outside the state where they are registered, and delay project implementation by linking the release of subsequent foreign funds to verification of utilisation.
It also raised objections to provisions prescribing penalties of up to 30 per cent of foreign contributions even for technical violations.
The Assembly criticised provisions requiring organisations to disclose the personal social media accounts and publications of office-bearers, calling it an intrusion into privacy and a threat to the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
The resolution also opposed the expanded definition of key functionaries, which would make trustees, partners and directors personally responsible for violations. It argued that the provision could discourage experienced professionals from participating in the voluntary sector.
The House further expressed concern over clauses empowering a designated authority to take control of, and even dispose of, assets created through foreign contributions if an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, suspended or not renewed.
It also warned that the undefined reference to "proselytisation" could potentially be misused against organisations working among tribal communities and other vulnerable sections.
Maintaining that the proposed amendments violate constitutional freedoms and weaken the federal structure, the Kerala Assembly urged the Union Government to withdraw the changes in their entirety.
With IANS inputs