Lok Sabha Refers Foreign Contribution Bill to Joint Committee Amid Opposition Protests

In a significant move, the Lok Sabha has passed a motion to send the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a joint committee for further examination. This decision comes amidst strong protests from the Opposition, who argue that the bill targets minorities and NGOs. The committee, comprising members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, is expected to submit its report by the end of the first week of the Winter Session in 2026. The bill has faced criticism from various quarters, including state leaders and US lawmakers, raising concerns about its implications for civil society organizations. Read on for more insights into this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 16:39 IST

Lok Sabha's Decision on Foreign Contribution Bill

BJP MP Jagdambika Pal presides over the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon session of Parliament, on Wednesday. (Photo:PTI)

New Delhi, Aug 12: On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha approved a motion to send the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a joint committee of Parliament consisting of 31 members for further examination, despite significant protests from the Opposition who demanded its withdrawal.

The motion was introduced by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, amidst loud slogans from Opposition MPs who were calling for the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah in the House. The committee will include 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.

Speaker Om Birla will nominate the Lok Sabha members, while Chairman C P Radhakrishnan will nominate those from the Rajya Sabha.

The committee is expected to present its report to the Lok Sabha by the end of the first week of the Winter Session in 2026.

Prior to the motion's approval, Congress MP KC Venugopal expressed concerns that the Opposition had only recently been informed about the bill being sent to a joint committee, alleging that the legislation targets minorities and NGOs.

"This is clearly aimed at minorities and NGOs. We demand the Bill's withdrawal," Venugopal stated.

In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed these accusations, asserting that the Congress and other Opposition parties had previously called for the bill to be reviewed by a House committee.

"If they have any objections to the Bill, they can voice them in the JPC. This is not aimed at any minority community," Rijiju remarked.

Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav challenged Rijiju's claim, asking him to clarify which bill had not been against minorities.

Rijiju, defending his statement, urged Yadav to identify any provision in the bill that discriminates against minorities, asserting, "I challenge Akhilesh ji to show one provision which is against minorities. Lies are being spread in the country. This country is not a banana republic. There should be rules."

BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, who chaired the session, noted that the government had agreed to the demand for a thorough discussion in the joint parliamentary committee.

The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, aims to enhance government oversight of NGOs and foreign funding in India.

However, it has faced strong opposition from three northeastern states with Christian majorities. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma have called on the Centre to refer the bill to a joint committee for comprehensive scrutiny, while Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has also expressed concerns regarding its provisions.

The proposed legislation has also attracted criticism from some US lawmakers, who have raised alarms about its potential effects on Christian organizations and civil society groups.