New Delhi [India], April 1 (ANI): The Lok Sabha on Wednesday convened for a packed agenda, taking up key legislative and financial matters, including the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and the levy of Special Additional Excise Duty on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to move that the Bill to further amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, be taken into consideration.
The proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to enhance transparency in the receipt and utilisation of foreign funds by organisations while easing compliance procedures for registered entities. The Bill, introduced on March 25, has been listed for discussion and passage in the House.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is slated to move a statutory resolution approving Notification No. 07/2026-Central Excise, which imposes a Special Additional Excise Duty of Rs 50 per litre on ATF. The move comes amid rising global crude oil prices and increasing operational costs in the aviation sector.
Proceedings began at 11 AM with Question Hour, followed by the laying of papers by ministers, including Jitendra Singh and Ravneet Singh. The House is also scheduled to take up reports of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for the fiscal year 2025–26. Presentations by BJP MPs Jagdambika Pal and Jai Prakash include the 39th to 44th reports covering issues such as excess grants, railway derailments, and GST/service tax collections.
Other legislative business includes the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, moved by Jitin Prasada, which aims to decriminalise certain laws and improve ease of doing business. The House will also hear a statement from Harsh Malhotra correcting a reply related to the Ganga Expressway, along with matters raised under Rule 377.
Meanwhile, the FCRA Amendment Bill has triggered strong political reactions. Opposition MPs staged protests at the Makar Dwar of Parliament, demanding its withdrawal. Congress MP Hibi Eden termed the Bill “draconian,” alleging it could adversely affect minorities and NGOs. Congress MP Dharamvir Gandhi said the legislation should be impartial and benefit all sections of society, while Revolutionary Socialist Party MP NK Premchandran accused the government of pursuing an agenda targeting minority rights.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticised the proposed law, calling it “rigged” and questioning the Centre over funds received through the PM CARES Fund, electoral bonds, and NGOs. He raised concerns over transparency and alleged selective regulation of foreign funding, accusing the government of attempting to control non-governmental organisations.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed apprehension that the amendment could impact social service organisations and reduce support for the poor and marginalised. He warned that the move may restrict services in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and relief work, and alleged that it reflects a broader attempt to suppress dissent and control civil society.
The second leg of the ongoing Parliament Budget Session is scheduled to conclude on April 2. (ANI)
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