Aldona MLA Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira has criticised the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, describing it as a “draconian legislation” that could silence critics of the government, including minority groups.
The Congress legislator alleged that the Bill could lead to what he termed an “official loot” of assets belonging to minority charitable institutions, NGOs, news channels, and organisations that do not align with the government.
Ferreira drew parallels with the Goa Escheats, Forfeiture and Bona Vacantia Act, 2024, stating that the proposed amendment could similarly be used to take over properties. “The danger with the Bill is that if your certificate for using foreign funding is not renewed—either by refusal or not being processed in time by the Central Government—your registration will cease and your property will vest with the designated authority. It also includes the seizing of assets, regardless of whether the property was acquired fully or partly using foreign funds, or even if it was not acquired using such funds at all,” he said.
He further stated, “Under the FCRA Bill, you will not be allowed rectifications. If all your assets are frozen, you cannot fight cases without money; your property is attached and you will end up in jail. As per the amendment, the Central Government can also pick and choose whom, where, and when to prosecute or persecute. Furthermore, the law will have a retrospective effect.”
According to Ferreira, the proposed Bill applies to entities across India, including Indian citizens abroad and overseas branches. He said it would impact NGOs, charitable hospitals, private old-age homes, church-run institutions, religious minorities, missionaries receiving foreign aid, and news channels.
“A person who was responsible at the time the offence was committed—even 10 years ago—may have changed jobs, retired, or be bedridden, yet this law will bring you back to stand for prosecution,” he added.
The MLA described the Bill as an attempt to target minorities and political opponents. “This Bill is aimed at choking the opposition, choking dissent, and shutting down NGOs and social organisations critical of the government. It targets missions, missionaries, charitable hospitals, and news agencies that do not follow the government line. Such laws are reminiscent of Hitler’s era. This is nothing but Emergency by the backdoor,” he said.
Drawing a historical comparison, Ferreira said, “The Nazi Germany slogan was ‘if you are with Hitler, you are with Germany’. Similarly, it now means that if you are with Modi, all your crimes are overlooked and washed away, but if you are not, you are against India and will be jailed while your property is confiscated. This is how the BJP wants to finish off democracy in our nation. The Government will claim it is seeking to flush out money brought in for illegal purposes, but existing laws are enough to tackle that.”
He called for collective opposition to the proposed law, stating that it undermines democratic principles. “It is time to rise up and express our voices so that the government can listen to reason and follow the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution, instead of trampling upon the rights and freedoms of citizens. The Bill is unconstitutional against minorities as it will affect fundamental rights,” Ferreira said.
Leave a Reply