Nagpur: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday defended proposed amendments to Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), alleging that a section of organizations receiving foreign funds had used the money for “anti-national activities” and that the changes were intended to curb such misuse rather than target any particular community.Responding to criticism from Congress, which has described the proposed amendments as “anti-Christian”, he said FCRA framework applies uniformly to every organisation receiving foreign contributions, irrespective of religion or community.“The reason for bringing the FCRA amendments is that some organisations have been bringing foreign money into the country and using it for anti-national activities. That has to stop,” Fadnavis said.“Those who are doing good work have nothing to worry about. There will be an FCRA mechanism and their licences will be protected,” he said.Rejecting the allegation that the amendments specifically target Christian organizations, Fadnavis said the law governs all entities receiving foreign donations.“This is not a question of one community. It is applicable to every organization that receives foreign donations, irrespective of its community,” he said.Fadnavis said anyone with reservations about the proposed legislation should raise them during the parliamentary process, adding that Union govt was open to hearing different views.“I believe that if anyone has objections, they should raise them in Parliament. The govt of India is receptive,” he said.
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Referring to statements made in the United States on the proposed amendments, Fadnavis questioned why individuals outside India were reacting to the legislation.“Some people in the US have commented on the FCRA Amendment Bill. What does that mean? The very purpose of these amendments becomes clear from such reactions,” he said, without elaborating further.The CM reiterated that the objective of the proposed amendments was to ensure accountability in the use of foreign contributions and prevent their misuse, while protecting organizations carrying out lawful activities.
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