The human rights organization Amnesty International announced this on Thursday warned that India’s proposed extension of restrictions on the funding of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) abroad would restrict the scope of civil society and undermine fundamental rights. Through the Foreign Contributions Law In 2026, the government aims to expand and extend regulatory controls within the existing ones Foreign contribution (regulation) Under the Act 2010 (FCRA).
Amnesty International further stated that the proposed changes would “restrict access to foreign funding” and exacerbate an already “punitive and restrictive environment” for NGOs operating in India. Amnesty International India Chief Executive Officer Aakar Patel said:
As of March 26, 2026, official data shows that 21,933 organizations had lost their FCRA licenses, depriving them of essential funding and often leading to their closure or severe restrictions on their activities. Our research has demonstrated that the most affected are organizations associated with minority rights, freedom of expression, environmental rights and climate protection.
According to official government data, over 21,000 organizations have received their FCRA registration suspended or cancelled In recent years, civil society organizations and the effectiveness of their committed causes have been significantly reduced. Compliance requirements, including strict reporting standards and administrative caps, have made it increasingly difficult for NGOs to operate effectively. Issue It also addressed vague provisions that could allow authorities to refuse funding approvals for general or unspecified reasons.
Analysis of the new bill suggests that it could further centralize control and expand government discretion in issuing and revoking licenses and impose stricter restrictions, such as prohibiting sub-allocation of funds and reducing allowable administrative costs.
The FCRA framework Was examined In Noel Harper v. Union of Indiawhere the Supreme Court upheld the 2020 changes, emphasizing the state’s interest in regulating foreign contributions while acknowledging concerns about the impact on civil society.
Amnesty International previously reported that the FCRA has been used to target advocacy organizations, particularly those concerned with human rights and accountability issues. There were similar concerns repeated himself by global charities that are seeing a chilling effect on international collaboration and funding flows.
The Indian government claims that the FCRA is necessary to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of foreign funds. However, the cumulative effect of successive changes was to significantly limit the ability of NGOs to operate independently.
