Transparency is essential to institutional credibility
The Hindu - Opinion · Published 10 November 2026 · Last updated
The proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act have triggered intense debate over balancing institutional transparency with protecting legitimate civil society activity.
Key points
- Proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 have triggered strong reactions from civil society organisations, Opposition parties, and Christian institutions.
- The legislative changes seek tighter regulation of foreign-funded organisations, including specific provisions concerning assets created or acquired through foreign contributions.
- The Government maintains that the primary objective of the legislation is greater transparency, accountability, and prevention of misuse of foreign funds.
- Critics of the proposed amendments fear possible restrictions on legitimate civil society activity and argue that minority institutions are being disproportionately affected.
- The Foreign Contribution Regulation Bill has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny and reasoned debate.
- Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco stated on the OnPoint program on the Bilyonaryo News Channel that transparency is key to strengthening institutional credibility and addressing recurring problems with the national budget.
- Katherine Green, Chief Technical Advisor of the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project, emphasized that access to information is both a legal obligation and a fundamental human right under international law.
- Independent Information Commissioner Josh T. Hodges described access to information as a democratic right, an instrument of accountability, and a foundation for institutional integrity.
Background
- The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 serves as the existing legal framework governing the receipt and utilisation of foreign funds by associations and companies in India.
- The receipt and utilisation of foreign funds have historically been subject to regulatory oversight to ensure they do not compromise national security or public interest.
Prelims facts and Mains angle for this issue are in the full SWAदेSH note.
Original report: The Hindu - Opinion