Thiruvananthapuram, July 1 (IANS). The Kerala Assembly on Wednesday passed a special resolution demanding the Central government to withdraw the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026. Only BJP opposed this proposal.
This proposal was passed with 111 votes in support and two votes against. Two BJP MLAs voted against it. The amendment proposals given by him had already been rejected.
BJP MLA V Muraleedharan said the state assembly does not have the right to demand changes in laws made by Parliament. He also said that such a proposal is against the principles of the federal system.
However, the Assembly rejected his amendment proposals and passed the original proposal with an overwhelming majority.
Moving the motion, Chief Minister VD Satheesan alleged that the central government’s proposed amendments were aimed at bringing voluntary organizations and other social organizations under greater control of the Centre, which would affect their independence.
He said that these changes will impact those institutions which are engaged in public welfare, health services, education, rehabilitation of disabled, disaster relief and other humanitarian works. Especially in Kerala, these institutions along with the government play an important role in providing essential services to the people.
The proposal states that under the new rules, the activities of the institutions have been limited to only 105 fixed areas. Additionally, new registration will be required to work outside the state in which you are registered. The next installment of foreign funds will be available only after the verification of the utilization of earlier funds is completed, which may delay the projects. Also, a fine of up to 30 percent of the foreign fund can be imposed even on small technical mistakes.
The resolution also said that making it mandatory to provide information about personal social media accounts and published articles of officials is a violation of their privacy and is against the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Apart from this, the definition of principal officer has been expanded to make trustees, partners and directors also personally liable. The Assembly says that this will prevent eminent and experienced people from joining social organizations.
The Assembly also expressed concern over the provisions under which, if the FCRA registration of an institution is cancelled, suspended or not renewed, a government-nominated officer can take control of the assets of that institution created with foreign funds and even sell them.
The resolution also said that due to lack of clear definition of the term ‘incitement to convert’, it could be misused against organizations working among tribals and other weaker sections.
The Assembly said that the proposed laws and rules violate constitutional rights and weaken the federal system. Therefore, he appealed to the Central Government to completely withdraw all these proposed amendments.
–IANS
amt/pm
