FCRA Bill: The Central Government is now exploring the option of Joint Parliamentary Committee i.e. JPC regarding the FCRA Amendment Bill. Before taking the bill forward in Parliament, it is likely to be sent to a committee for detailed scrutiny and discussion. There are already differences between the government and the opposition regarding this bill.
After meeting the Prime Minister, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Apart from this, he has also talked to the leaders of opposition parties. It is believed that the government is trying to reduce the deadlock in Parliament regarding the bill and create a consensus among all the parties.
The opposition is adamant on the demand to withdraw the bill
Opposition parties say that there should be a wide discussion on this important law which changes the rules related to foreign contribution. A section of the opposition is demanding that the bill be taken back in its present form and fresh provisions should be prepared after talks with all the parties.
Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule has also raised questions on the current form of the bill and demanded to withdraw it or send it to JPC. He says that the rules related to foreign contribution can have an impact on social institutions and other organizations.
DMK met Amit Shah
DMK is also among those opposing the FCRA bill. A delegation led by party MP P. Wilson met Home Minister Amit Shah. DMK has demanded withdrawal of the bill and removal of Section 15 of the existing law. Alternatively, the party has demanded a comprehensive review of the law and sending the bill to the JPC.
Creating consensus in Parliament is a challenge for the government.
At the same time, many opposition parties including Congress, Samajwadi Party and Left parties have expressed objection to the FCRA Bill. In such a situation, the government faces the challenge of creating a consensus in the Parliament.
There was no mention of the FCRA Bill and the proposed Delimitation Bill in the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee held on Monday. After this, speculations have intensified regarding carrying forward both the bills in the current session.
Now the focus is on whether the government sends the FCRA Bill to the JPC or decides to take it forward in its current form.