Context & FCRA Bill 2026 Status
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in Parliament alongside FCRA Amendment Rules, 2026 by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Core Objective: Establishes a Designated Authority for managing assets of non-compliant NGOs.
- Target Exams: Essential reading for MPPSC Mains Paper-2 and UPSC GS Paper-2.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Bill Name | FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 |
| FCRA Full Form | Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act |
| Nodal Agency | Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) |
| Key Mechanism | Designated Authority for Asset Management |
| Mandatory Route | SBI New Delhi Main Branch |
What is FCRA & Full Form in Hindi?
FCRA Full Form & Definition
- Full Form: Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.
- Hindi Name: विदेशी अंशदान (विनियमन) अधिनियम.
- Purpose: Regulates foreign donations to NGOs and associations to safeguard national sovereignty.
Timeline
- 1976: First enacted during Emergency.
- 2010: New consolidated law.
Key Highlights of FCRA Amendment Bill & Rules 2026
1. Designated Authority Provision
- Government-appointed officer to manage and dispose of foreign assets of cancelled/expired NGOs.
2. Strict Ban on Proselytization
- Explicit insertion of 'Conversion Excluded' across all permissible activities.
3. 75% Fund Expenditure Rule
- At least 75% of previous grants must be utilized prior to releasing fresh funds.
MPPSC Mains Paper-2 & UPSC Governance Notes
Prohibited Entities under FCRA
- Election candidates, MPs, MLAs, Judges, Public Servants, Political Parties, and Media Editors.
Landmark Judgments on FCRA
- Rev. Stanislaus vs State of MP (1977): Propagate religion != Right to convert.
- Noel Harper vs Union of India (2022): SC upheld constitutional validity of FCRA amendments.
Practice Questions
1Which is the nodal ministry for FCRA in India?
2What is the full form of FCRA?
3Under FCRA Bill 2026, who is appointed to manage assets of cancelled FCRA NGOs?
4Under FCRA, where must the mandatory primary bank account for foreign contributions be opened?
5Under FCRA Amendment Rules 2026, what percentage of prior funds must be spent before releasing the next installment?
6What is the validity period of FCRA registration in India?
7The landmark Supreme Court case Rev. Stanislaus vs State of MP (1977) is related to:
8Which of the following entities are prohibited from receiving foreign contributions under FCRA?
Frequently Asked Questions
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