Shashi Tharoor Critiques Proposed Foreign Contribution Amendment Bill 2026

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has voiced strong opposition to the proposed 'Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026', arguing that it grants excessive control to the government over organizations receiving foreign funds. He highlights concerns about a new 'Designated Authority' that could manage and sell assets of these organizations, undermining traditional legal protections. Tharoor's critique comes as the government seeks to pass the bill during the current parliamentary session, raising alarms about the implications for charitable organizations, especially those serving marginalized communities. Read on to discover more about Tharoor's arguments and the potential impact of this legislation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 6, 2026, 12:35 IST

Tharoor's Strong Opposition to the Bill

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed strong disapproval of the proposed 'Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026'. He characterized it as a move towards control rather than transparency, claiming that the legislation grants excessive authority to the government over the assets of organizations receiving foreign contributions. In an article published in a prominent news outlet, Tharoor argued that the proposed amendments would introduce an unprecedented level of control that bypasses traditional legal safeguards.

Concerns Over Government Authority

Tharoor's remarks come at a time when the central government is attempting to pass the 'Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026' during the current monsoon session of Parliament. He criticized the bill's provision for establishing a 'Designated Authority' appointed by the central government. This authority would have the power to take control of an organization's foreign funds and physical assets if its FCRA registration is suspended, revoked, or its renewal denied. He emphasized that this amendment would implement an unprecedented method of control that disregards conventional legal protections.

Implications of the Proposed Framework

According to Tharoor, under the proposed framework, assets could be temporarily assigned to the 'Designated Authority'. This would enable the government to manage these assets and ultimately sell them, with the proceeds deposited into the 'Consolidated Fund of India', even if the asset was only partially funded by foreign contributions.

Objections to the Deemed Cessation Concept

Tharoor also raised objections to the proposed concept of deemed cessation. Under this rule, if the FCRA registration is not renewed or applied for within a specified timeframe, it would automatically expire, immediately halting access to foreign funds and associated assets. Referring to institutions in his home state of Kerala, Tharoor noted that charitable trusts, hospitals, schools, medical colleges, and welfare organizations run by Christians have been serving marginalized communities for generations, relying on a mix of domestic resources and foreign grants.

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