FCRA JPC: Opposition MPs Seek 4-Week Delay of October 12 Meeting
Ten opposition members of the JPC on the FCRA Bill wrote to chairman Sanjay Jaiswal seeking a four-week postponement and a longer public comment window.
The letter
Ten opposition members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 have asked chairman and BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal to postpone the panel's October 12 meeting by at least four weeks, The Hindu reported.
In their September 29 letter, they argued that the Bill's wide implications require more time to study it and related documents. They also asked that the window for public and stakeholder comments stay open for at least four weeks.
Who signed
According to The Hindu, signatories included DMK's A. Raja and P. Wilson; Congress MPs Christopher Manickam, Hamdullah Sayeed, Viriato Fernandes and Anto Antony; Samajwadi Party's Javed Ali Khan and Zia Ur Rehman Barq; Trinamool's Kalyan Banerjee; and NPP's James P.K. Sangma.
Where the JPC stands
The committee first met on September 18 and held its second sitting on September 29, when officials from the Home Ministry and the Law Ministry gave a clause-wise briefing. Domain experts and stakeholders were also scheduled to give views.
Why the timing matters
The government hopes to bring the Bill back to Parliament in the Winter Session once the committee reports. Opposition members fear a rushed process. A short comment window can limit how many NGOs, churches, educational trusts and experts formally submit views — and those submissions often shape committee recommendations.
BJP's position
The BJP-led government has said the committee route itself shows its willingness to consult. It maintains the Bill is needed to stop misuse of foreign funds. Whether the chairman accepts the delay request is the next development to watch.
How the public can participate
- Watch for a Lok Sabha Secretariat notice inviting memoranda
- Submit written views within the stated deadline
- Organisations may request to give oral evidence
Frequently asked questions
Who chairs the FCRA JPC?
BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal.
What did opposition members ask for?
A four-week postponement of the October 12 meeting and a minimum four-week public comment window.
Sources
Independently written from reporting by the outlets below. Allegations are attributed and have not been independently verified by EngBen. Details may change.