Thiruvananthapuram | The Congress has directed its MPs to urgently reach Delhi and attend the Parliament session, as the union government is set to introduce the FCRA Amendment Bill, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal said on Tuesday.
Describing the proposed law as "completely unconstitutional," Venugopal, in a statement, alleged that the central government is trying to introduce the bill at a time when MPs from states going to Assembly elections are busy with campaign activities.
Venugopal claimed that the Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment (FCRA) Bill would harm NGOs and community organisations, particularly those run by minority communities.
He said the Congress will not allow the bill to be passed under any circumstances.
The Congress leader also announced that the party will stage a protest outside Parliament at 10.30 am on Wednesday against the bill.
Venugopal further accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of "attempting to divide" people who are living peacefully and create tensions among them.
He said the bill is the latest example of such efforts.
Venugopal also described the bill as a "threat" hanging over minority communities, saying it is a deliberate attempt to intimidate and control organisations, including Christian institutions in Kerala.
He also said the bill contains provisions that would tighten control over voluntary organisations and institutions engaged in social service.
Kottayam (Kerala) | Union Minister of State George Kurian on Tuesday said that the proposed amendment to the FCRA regarding foreign donations was a positive move and that there would be an opportunity to challenge it in court once it is passed.
Kurian, the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, as well as Minority Affairs, while speaking to reporters, said it was a misunderstanding that places of worship would be taken over once the amendments are passed by Parliament.
The minister said that if an entity is not active or functional, it can be taken over by a designated authority as per the proposed amendments.
The amendments also allow for an appeal against the cancellation or non-renewal of a licence under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, which is not possible under the current law.
"So, with the new appeal provisions, an FCRA licence becomes a matter of right," he contended.
"Therefore, those opposing it should reconsider their stance. If the amendments are not passed, an FCRA licence will remain a matter of generosity and will not be a right," he said.
Kurian stated that 80 per cent of Christian organisations from Kerala seeking an FCRA licence were receiving it.
The minister also said that if there is a case against a bishop in Kerala, the FCRA funds of the entity connected with him will be blocked.
He said that the BJP has conveyed the concerns that have arisen in Kerala to the central leadership and that there will be a discussion on the bill in Parliament.