Shah’s presence meets a central demand raised by the Congress and other Opposition parties over the past two weeks. Government floor managers hope his intervention will create space for a full debate on the legislation and allow the Monsoon Session to resume normal business after repeated adjournments in both Houses.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju held a nearly 50-minute meeting with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Parliament on Wednesday as part of the government’s outreach. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attended the talks, while party leaders Gaurav Gogoi and K C Venugopal joined later.
The discussions covered the FCRA amendments, the proposed changes to the delimitation framework and other disputes that have paralysed proceedings. Rijiju subsequently met Shah, strengthening expectations that the Home Minister will personally explain the government’s position when the foreign-funding legislation is taken up.
The government has also indicated that the Bill will not impose punitive provisions retrospectively, addressing one of the most serious concerns raised by Opposition parties, civil society groups and organisations receiving foreign donations. Further changes could be considered during the legislative process, although the administration remains committed to its central proposal for tighter supervision of foreign-funded assets.
The Foreign Contribution Amendment Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25. It proposes a new system for supervising, managing and disposing of foreign contributions and assets belonging to organisations whose FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, expires or otherwise ceases to remain valid.
Under the proposed framework, foreign contributions and assets acquired through such funds would provisionally vest in a designated authority. The authority would act as custodian while the organisation’s legal or registration status is resolved. Assets would be restored if the registration is renewed, but permanent vesting could follow when an organisation fails to secure restoration within the prescribed period.
The Bill also creates a right to seek revision of decisions and appeal before a district judge. It proposes rationalising criminal penalties, including reducing the maximum imprisonment for specified violations from five years to one year. The government says the provisions are intended to close administrative gaps and ensure that assets created with foreign donations are not abandoned, transferred improperly or diverted after an organisation loses its registration.
Opposition parties argue that the proposed authority could acquire excessive control over hospitals, schools, charities, religious institutions and development organisations built partly with overseas donations. Their concern is that an asset purchased years earlier with foreign funds could remain exposed to state takeover even when it is subsequently maintained through domestic contributions.
The Congress, Trinamool Congress, Left parties and several regional groups have also sought clearer safeguards against arbitrary action. They contend that FCRA enforcement has increasingly affected organisations involved in human rights, welfare, education, health and minority affairs, making independent judicial oversight essential.
The political confrontation over the Bill has become intertwined with demands for Shah to respond to allegations of excessive police action against student demonstrators at Jantar Mantar on July 20. Opposition leaders have alleged that police used pellet guns, tear gas and batons during protests linked to examination irregularities and paper leaks.
Congress MPs have maintained that meaningful participation in legislative business requires a direct response from the Home Minister. Opposition members have repeatedly entered the Well of the House and demanded his presence, contributing to multiple adjournments in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The standoff continued for a 13th sitting day on Wednesday. Opposition MPs, led by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, marched from Prerna Sthal towards Makar Dwar, raising demands related to police accountability and an alleged embezzlement of donations connected with the Ram temple.
Despite the disruptions, the government has passed several measures by voice vote. The Lok Sabha approved the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill without a detailed discussion, while the Rajya Sabha cleared legislation raising the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 judges to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
Government managers have accused the Opposition of blocking debate despite demanding scrutiny of the Bills. Opposition leaders have countered that the administration is attempting to conduct legislative business without addressing questions of ministerial accountability.
(IPA Service)
