India rejects US criticism of FCRA Bill; MEA calls it ‘internal matter’

Home minister Amit Shah has held meetings with representatives of church bodies to allay their concerns about the provisions of the bill

NEW DELHI: Amid indications it may seek the passage of the Foreign Contributions Regulation (Amendment) Act, the government on Friday rejected criticism of the legislation by foreigners, including a US Congressman.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said several countries, including the US, regulate foreign funds and foreign financing. “As far as legislative matters are concerned, and particularly matters relating to India’s own legislation, this is an internal matter for us, on which our Parliament takes the decision,” Jaiswal said.

Government may push for FCRA Bill’s passage before Friday

The remarks came days after US Congressman Riley Moore criticised the move to tighten the FCRA law meant to regulate foreign contributions.According to reports, the Republican representative from West Virginia said the proposed amendments in the law would result in the takeover of churches and religious charities, and warned that the Bill’s passage would hurt the US’ ties with India. There are indications that the government may try to get the Bill passed next week despite the opposition’s decision to oppose it.

Over the past couple of days, home minister Amit Shah has held meetings with representatives of church bodies to allay their concerns about the provisions of the Bill.Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma, who met Shah with representatives of church bodies, had said the Bill may be put up for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.Although the government is tightlipped about its plans, sources say there was a strong possibility of it pushing the contentious legislation before Friday when the monsoon Session is scheduled to conclude.Congress is said to have told the allies that the BJP may try to surprise the opposition by bringing the FCRA Bill on Monday, which is to be piloted by Shah, and all the parties should ensure attendance of their MPs. The allies may also issue a whip for the last week of the monsoon session.