STATE REGULATION OR UNDERMINING THE AUTONOMY OF NGO’S? – CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION (REGULATION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2026

Abstract

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 plays a significant role in regulating foreign contributions to civil society organisations in India.While the Act aims for transparency, national interest and accountability, its continuous amendments have raised various concerns regarding the impact on the autonomy of non-governmental organisations.The study will analyse whether the evolving framework shifts from financial contribution regulation to restricting the autonomy of civil society organisations in social welfare.The research adopts a doctrinal methodology based on analysis of government reports and scholarly literature.The study finds that the objectives of the Act, such as preventing misuse of foreign funds and ensuring transparency, are legitimate, but the collective effect of continuous amendments has slightly expanded government control over the non-government organisations.The paper concludes that the need of the hour is a balanced framework to ensure National interests