DMK MP raises concerns over FCRA amendments

DMK MP P. Wilson at a consultation meeting organized by the National Alliance of Civil Society Organizations (NACSO) in Vijayawada on Sunday. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

DMK Rajya Sabha member P. Wilson has expressed concern over the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) amendments introduced on March 25, 2026, saying the proposed changes could have significant implications for voluntary organizations and the communities they serve.

At a consultation meeting organized by the National Alliance of Civil Society Organizations (NACSO) in Vijayawada on Sunday, Mr Wilson said the proposed changes include a provision under which the organization’s assets could be handed over to the government if its FCRA registration or certificate is revoked. He argued that such assets could be auctioned or transferred to a Union or State government department.

Mr Wilson also expressed concern about organizations whose FCRA registrations expire due to delays in renewal. He questioned whether assets accumulated legally over decades could come under government control after deregistration or non-renewal.

“Even if there is a minor breach, how can action be taken against the entire assets of the organization?” he asked, challenging the provision to deregister an organization due to alleged violations of individual transactions.

He said many voluntary organizations run hospitals, schools, colleges, retirement homes, hostels and orphanages using foreign contributions and warned that canceling their registrations could impact these institutions and their staff. He also highlighted the possible impact on education and health services in tribal and remote areas.

Mr Wilson said the DMK had written to the Prime Minister saying it was against the proposed amendments and demanding their withdrawal, calling for a wider public debate on the issue.

The organizer of the meeting, Aadikirana, said the amendments could force some old age homes and educational institutions to close, and argued that Christian organizations involved in social services could be particularly affected.

The meeting was chaired by Dalit Bahujan Front founder Korivi Vinay Kumar, who announced plans to form a joint action forum comprising representatives of organizations from across the country. A campaign to withdraw the proposed changes was also proposed and the meeting adopted a resolution outlining the way forward.

The meeting was attended by several representatives and leaders of voluntary organizations including Ambati Ramakrishna, A. Purnachandra Rao, Samuel Jonathan, Pratap Sinha, T. Vijay Kumar and Melam Bhagya Rao and others.

Published – 27 Sep 2026 20:51 IST