Centre Amends FCRA Rules

On 22nd June 2026, the Central Government amended the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011 to strengthen transparency, accountability and monitoring of foreign funds received by NGOs and associations.

Key Points:

Specified Purpose Mandatory: NGOs applying for FCRA registration must now choose their objectives from a predefined list of approved purposes and specify the States/UTs where they will undertake activities.
Restriction on Foreign Nationals: Associations having foreign nationals (other than Persons of Indian Origin) as key functionaries will ordinarily not be granted FCRA registration or prior permission, unless specifically approved by the Central Government.
Expanded Definition of Key Functionary: The term now includes directors, partners, trustees, the head (Karta) of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), and any other person exercising control over the management of an association.
Religious Activities: The amended rules permit various faith-based activities but explicitly exclude proselytisation (religious conversion) from categories such as religious education, documentation of faith traditions and preservation of indigenous beliefs.
Mandatory Disclosure: Existing FCRA-registered organisations have been given one year to declare their approved purposes and operational States/UTs.