31-member parliamentary panel formed to examine foreign contribution amendment bill

Speaker Om Birla disclosed the composition of a 31-member parliamentary committee tasked with reviewing the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, appointing Sanjay Jaiswal as chair. The panel reflects the BJP-led NDA's dominance with 19 seats, while Congress and other opposition parties have nominated members, including minority-community representatives. The committee draws 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha and is expected to submit its findings by the end of the first week of the winter session, though extensions are common.

Critics, notably the DMK and Christian organisations, contend the amendment could empower the executive to confiscate NGO assets if licences are withdrawn, a point the government denies. Nonetheless, the government agreed to send the draft to the panel for wider consultation to achieve consensus. The panel’s work will determine the bill’s future and its impact on NGOs receiving foreign funds.