Centre amends rules for receiving foreign funds (FCRA)

📌 Summary:

• The government amended the rules for receiving foreign funds, requiring NGOs to choose from a predefined list of purposes and areas of operation when seeking registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)
• The amendment allows a range of faith-based activities but explicitly excludes proselytisation from several categories eligible for FCRA registration
• Per the Union Home Ministry's gazette notification (June 22, 2026), any association with foreign nationals — other than persons of Indian origin — as key functionaries will "ordinarily not be considered" for registration or prior permission to receive foreign funds

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 Governance — regulation of NGOs and foreign funding, FCRA framework, and the operating space for civil society

📝 Prelims Facts:

• FCRA — Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, administered by the Union Home Ministry
• The amendment excludes proselytisation from several FCRA-eligible categories
• Associations with foreign (non-PIO) key functionaries ordinarily ineligible

🔑 Key Term: FCRA — Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, which governs the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals and associations in India