Opposition MP warns that FCRA amendment could curb Christian institutions, seeks parliamentary transparency
Kolkata, July 19 – Derek O'Brien, a Rajya Sabha member from the Trinamool Congress, has sent a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging an inclusive parliamentary debate on the pending delimitation legislation and the controversial amendment to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
Labelled as "repressive" by O'Brien, the FCRA amendment is seen by the opposition as a tool that could restrict the functioning of a large number of faith‑based educational and health organisations. According to his assessment, about 54,000 schools administered by Christian bodies—educating nearly six crore students every year—could face severe regulatory hurdles.
The MP also pointed out that the upcoming monsoon session does not list any delimitation bill, raising doubts about the government's commitment to democratic norms. He reminded the Prime Minister that the Centre previously introduced the Constitution (131st Amendment), the Central Territories (Amendment) and the Delimitation Bill on 16 April 2026, but the measures failed to secure the essential two‑thirds majority on 17 April.
O'Brien referenced the 2019 Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill as a precedent where a critical piece of legislation was hurriedly placed in the supplementary agenda, depriving members of adequate time for debate—a practice he argues should not be repeated for the delimitation and FCRA matters.
He warned that the proposed FCRA changes would grant the government sweeping administrative powers over NGOs, potentially jeopardising well‑known national and international organisations that serve vulnerable communities. Safeguarding the constitutional freedoms enshrined in Articles 19 and 26 must remain a priority.
The opposition leader concluded his letter by demanding a multi‑party meeting, insisting that any legislation affecting India’s democratic framework and civil‑society space be discussed with full transparency and consensus.