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Kerala Assembly urges Centre to withdraw proposed FCRA amendments
Jul-01-2026

The Kerala Assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the proposed amendments to the FCRA, saying the changes would adversely affect the functioning of voluntary and charitable organisations. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan moved the resolution which stated that the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026, would plunge voluntary organisations functioning in the country into a crisis.

VD Satheesan criticised the FCRA amendment as violating the provisions of Articles 19, 25 and 29 of the Constitution and going against the federal principles enshrined by the country. He pointed out that the amendment could lead to abuses, including the cancellation of licenses of voluntary organisations and added that it would adversely affect charitable activities in backward and tribal areas. Kerala CM called it a planned move by the central government, which he said would adversely affect the minorities of the country. He also demanded that the central government's amendment be repealed immediately.

The resolution was against the amendment brought by the central government imposing restrictions on the handling of funds received by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and charitable trusts from abroad. The Opposition CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) fully supported the special resolution, while two BJP members opposed it.

BJP MLA V Muraleedharan said that states lack the authority to propose amendments to laws passed in Parliament and termed the resolution presented by the Chief Minister as against federal principles. However, the CM did not accept V Muraleedharan's argument. In the subsequent vote, the resolution was passed in the House with 111 votes, after receiving the support of LDF members.


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