Huge! U.S. Lawmakers target India, raise ‘Big concern’ over proposed changes in FCRA bill

[00:00:08]In a latest development, US lawmakers have raised concern over proposed changes in foreign contribution regulation act FCRA.

[00:00:21]US Congressman Chris Smith in a detailed opinion piece on May 22nd has leveled serious charges against FCRA bill.

[00:00:30]The US Congressman has said that the bill, if passed, will do lasting damages to the relations between US and India.

[00:00:39]He also urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was on an official visit to India in May to work on this matter with his Indian counterparts and to make sure the withdrawal of FCRA amendments.

[00:00:54]Chris Smith also claimed that if adopted, [music] the bill will sharply expand the ability of Indian state to seize the property and assets of groups that receive foreign funding including the vast majority of these being Christian churches and charities [music] such as hospitals and schools.

[00:01:12]Also [music] in May 7th, in a statement by US Commission on International Religious Freedom titled Deteriorating Religious Freedom Conditions in India.

[00:01:22]Chris Smith along [music] with Chair Hassler urged the US government to designate India as a country of particular concern citing USCIRF's recommendations.

[00:01:33]>> [music] >> It is important to recall that the FCRA bill introduced by Union Minister of State for [music] Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on March 25th seeks to amend the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 2010 >> [music] >> and is aimed at enhancing the transparency and accountability of foreign contributions in India.

[00:01:54]>> [music] >> Also in response to the opposition's concerns, Nityanand Rai reaffirmed that the bill's provisions were intended to improve the regulation of foreign contributions, making them more transparent and accountable.

[00:02:08]The bill was sent to a joint parliamentary committee, JPC, comprising of 21 members of the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.

[00:02:18]Meanwhile, the Union government is keen to pass the FCRA bill in the ongoing monsoon session.

[00:02:28]Meanwhile, the US lawmakers' continuous statements against the proposed changes in FCRA bill is seen as an interference of foreign interests in India's internal matters.