New Delhi: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has welcomed the government’s decision to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny. At the same time, the organisation has called for a clause-by-clause, transparent re-examination of its controversial clauses in light of objections raised by the Opposition, civil society and religious minorities.
In a statement to the media, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, S. Ameenul Hasan, said, “The referral of the FCRA Amendment Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee is a welcome step. We hope that the JPC will undertake a clause-by-clause and transparent examination of the controversial portions of the Bill by engaging with civil society organisations, minority educational and charitable institutions, constitutional experts, legal scholars and other stakeholders before making its final recommendations to the government.”
Hasan outlined serious concerns regarding a provision that allows a government-appointed Designated Authority to assume control over assets of organisations whose FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or not renewed. Such assets include schools, hospitals and welfare institutions created through foreign contributions. “The concentration of power in one regulatory authority without clear checks and balances will lead to severe consequences for FCRA-funded organisations even for minor procedural lapses,” he said.
The JIH Vice President also drew attention to constitutional concerns. “The FCRA Amendment should be seen in the context of dilution of constitutional safeguards for civil liberties, like the right to property under Article 300A, equality before law under Article 14, the freedom to practise and propagate religion under Article 25 and the right of religious denominations to manage their affairs and property under Article 26.”
Addressing the broader climate facing religious minorities, Hasan noted that Muslims have faced growing challenges related to citizenship policies, religious expression and property rights in recent years. He added that similar false narratives have increasingly been directed toward the Christian community, particularly through claims that churches and ministries are attempting to alter India’s religious demographics.
The JIH Vice President underlined that religious-minority organisations, including Muslim, Sikh, Parsi and Christian institutions, have for generations contributed to education, healthcare and social service, serving vulnerable sections of society regardless of caste or religious background.
“Regulation of foreign contributions should not become a political tool of the state to restrict legitimate religious activity or humanitarian work. India needs a regulatory framework that ensures transparency and accountability in funding without undermining civil society, religious freedom, humanitarian service and constitutional safeguards,” he said.
