NEW DELHI – Senior CPI(M) leader and Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has launched a sharp critique against the Union government, alleging a systematic blockade of information regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
The MP claimed that his attempts to seek transparency on the cancellation of FCRA licenses have been repeatedly stifled in the Rajya Sabha ahead of a new amendment bill.
Parliamentary Queries Disallowed
Mr. Brittas stated that his recent inquiries were dismissed under Rule 47(2)(XXII) of the Rajya Sabha procedures.
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Secrecy Clause: This specific rule bars members from asking questions that seek information deemed “secret” in nature.
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Lack of Transparency: The MP argued that routine data on regulatory actions—such as the number of licenses canceled and the specific reasons for such moves—is being shielded from parliamentary oversight.
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Dashboard Access: Concerns were also raised regarding the restricted access to the FCRA dashboard, which previously served as a public record for tracking foreign contribution trends.
Impact on Governance and NGOs
The CPI(M) leader emphasized that the lack of public data creates a climate of uncertainty for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups.
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Policy Ambiguity: Brittas alleged that without providing clear grounds for license revocations, the government is operating without sufficient accountability.
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The Upcoming Amendment: He noted that denying basic regulatory information is particularly concerning as Parliament prepares to deliberate on a new FCRA amendment bill during the current Budget Session.
Political Context
The allegations come amid a period of heightened administrative activity regarding the monitoring of foreign funds in India. While the government maintains that strict FCRA enforcement is essential for national security and preventing the misuse of foreign capital, opposition leaders like Mr. Brittas contend that the “secrecy” label is being used to bypass democratic scrutiny.
The issue is expected to lead to heated debates in the ongoing Budget Session, as opposition parties demand a more transparent disclosure of FCRA-related data.
