Troubling bill: On the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026
ExamTerm 3 min read 23 new words
The current administration's persistent efforts to tighten control over non-governmental organizations are once again evident in the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. This legislation, which the government initially attempted to fast-track through Parliament, has since been sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) following significant public opposition. Back in 2020, the government successfully enacted changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). These amendments notably prevented one registered entity from transferring foreign funds to another, even if both were registered under the same Act, and reduced the permissible administrative expenditure from foreign contributions from 50% to 20%, alongside other limitations. The new Bill seeks to impose even stricter measures, notably empowering the government to seize assets acquired with foreign funds, merely if an organization's registration certificate expires. According to this Bill, a recipient organization can lose its registration not only through direct cancellation by the government but also if its renewal application is rejected, not submitted, or not approved before its existing certificate lapses. Should this occur, the organization's foreign funds and any assets developed using them will automatically transfer to an authority designated by the government. The property would only be returned if the organization manages to re-register within a timeframe yet to be specified by the government; otherwise, it is permanently forfeited. Crucially, the Bill states that a structure partially funded by foreign contributions will be entirely appropriated, requiring the organization to then apply for the return of the portion not financed by external sources. While the Bill does allow for an appeal to a district judge, this recourse is strictly limited to actions taken by the authority concerning the property *after* its acquisition. There is no provision to appeal a renewal refusal, nor is the organization guaranteed a hearing before such a refusal is issued. Fundamentally, since the designated authority operates under the central government's directives, the Centre gains the power to revoke licenses based on unclear grounds, confiscate property, and subsequently dictate the operations of the entity now holding these assets.
Unsurprisingly, minority religious institutions have expressed the most profound concern regarding these provisions. This apprehension is particularly strong among Christian organizations, many of which operate thousands of educational institutions and healthcare facilities that have been established and maintained through financial support from churches and congregations abroad. Evidence of this widespread worry includes a large demonstration in Aizawl, Mizoram, led by a newly formed council of churches; objections raised by various organizations in Kerala; a letter from Nagaland's Chief Minister to the Home Minister requesting a parliamentary review; and a unanimous resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly urging the Centre to withdraw the Bill. Despite assurances from the Home Minister to church leaders that the Bill would not be applied retroactively, the actual wording of the legislation suggests otherwise. For instance, a hospital constructed decades ago could still be subject to seizure today if its registration certificate is allowed to lapse. The Joint Parliamentary Committee, tasked with reviewing this Bill, should undertake a comprehensive redrafting. It is imperative that the revised legislation grants organizations a fair opportunity to present their case before any renewal refusal, as well as establishing a clear right to appeal such decisions. These, among other crucial adjustments, are necessary to ensure the regulatory framework becomes genuinely equitable and transparent.
English: Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Explanation: Describes something that continues for a long time or is done with determination, often despite challenges.
लगातार, दृढ़
Persistent
AdjectiveMedium
English: Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Explanation: Describes something that continues for a long time or is done with determination, often despite challenges.
Imagine a "fast" train on a "track" moving quickly.
VerbMedium
English: To make (a bill or other proposal) law; to put into practice. Explanation: Refers to the formal process of turning a proposal or bill into a law, or putting a plan into action.
अधिनियमित करना, लागू करना
Enacted
VerbMedium
English: To make (a bill or other proposal) law; to put into practice. Explanation: Refers to the formal process of turning a proposal or bill into a law, or putting a plan into action.
अधिनियमित करना, लागू करना
Examples
Parliament enacted new laws to protect the environment.
Think of "seizing" a moment or "seizing" control – taking it quickly.
VerbHard
English: (Of a right, privilege, or agreement) become invalid because it is not used, renewed, or fulfilled. Explanation: When something like a right, a certificate, or an agreement expires or becomes invalid, often due to a failure to act.
समाप्त होना, चूक जाना
Lapses
VerbHard
English: (Of a right, privilege, or agreement) become invalid because it is not used, renewed, or fulfilled. Explanation: When something like a right, a certificate, or an agreement expires or becomes invalid, often due to a failure to act.
समाप्त होना, चूक जाना
Examples
His membership lapsed because he forgot to renew it.
"Lapse" sounds like "collapse" – something falling apart or becoming invalid.
VerbHard
English: To lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing or because of a rule or law. Explanation: To lose something, especially property or a right, as a penalty or consequence of failing to meet a condition.
ज़ब्त हो जाना, गंवा देना
Forfeited
VerbHard
English: To lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing or because of a rule or law. Explanation: To lose something, especially property or a right, as a penalty or consequence of failing to meet a condition.
ज़ब्त हो जाना, गंवा देना
Examples
He forfeited his deposit when he cancelled the booking.
"Forfeit" sounds like "for-fit" – you lose it because you don't fit the requirements.
VerbHard
English: To take (something) for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission; to devote (money or assets) to a special purpose. Explanation: To take something, often without permission, for one's own use, or to allocate funds for a specific purpose.
विनियोजित करना, हड़प लेना
Appropriated
VerbHard
English: To take (something) for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission; to devote (money or assets) to a special purpose. Explanation: To take something, often without permission, for one's own use, or to allocate funds for a specific purpose.
विनियोजित करना, हड़प लेना
Examples
The government appropriated land for the new highway.
"Re-course" – think of going back to a "course" or path that offers help.
NounMedium
English: The act of gaining possession of something; something bought or obtained. Explanation: The process of getting or obtaining something, especially a company, property, or knowledge.
अधिग्रहण, प्राप्ति
Acquisition
NounMedium
English: The act of gaining possession of something; something bought or obtained. Explanation: The process of getting or obtaining something, especially a company, property, or knowledge.
अधिग्रहण, प्राप्ति
Examples
The company's latest acquisition was a small tech startup.
Synonyms
Procurement, obtainment, purchase, gain, possession, attainment, assimilation
Antonyms
Divestiture, disposal, loss, relinquishment, sale, surrender, forfeiture
Memory Trick
"Acquisition" sounds like "a quick position" – quickly getting something.
NounMedium
English: A condition or requirement in a legal document; the action of providing or supplying something for use. Explanation: A specific condition or clause in a legal document or agreement; also, the act of supplying something.
प्रावधान, व्यवस्था
Provision
NounMedium
English: A condition or requirement in a legal document; the action of providing or supplying something for use. Explanation: A specific condition or clause in a legal document or agreement; also, the act of supplying something.
प्रावधान, व्यवस्था
Examples
The contract included a provision for early termination.
"Direct-ives" – they "direct" you to do something.
VerbHard
English: To officially cancel (a decision, appointment, or agreement). Explanation: To officially cancel or take back a license, decision, or agreement.
रद्द करना, वापस लेना
Revoke
VerbHard
English: To officially cancel (a decision, appointment, or agreement). Explanation: To officially cancel or take back a license, decision, or agreement.
"Revoke" sounds like "re-voke" – taking back what was spoken or given.
VerbHard
English: To take or seize (someone's property) with authority. Explanation: To officially take private property away from someone, usually as a penalty or by legal authority.
ज़ब्त करना, कुर्क करना
Confiscate
VerbHard
English: To take or seize (someone's property) with authority. Explanation: To officially take private property away from someone, usually as a penalty or by legal authority.
"Dictate" sounds like "dictator" – someone who commands.
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense; (of a person or statement) having or showing great knowledge or insight. Explanation: Very deep, intense, or significant; showing great insight or understanding.
गहरा, गंभीर
Profound
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense; (of a person or statement) having or showing great knowledge or insight. Explanation: Very deep, intense, or significant; showing great insight or understanding.
"Profound" sounds like "pro-found" – something found that is very important or deep.
NounHard
English: Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen. Explanation: A feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant is about to happen.
आशंका, भय
Apprehension
NounHard
English: Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen. Explanation: A feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant is about to happen.
आशंका, भय
Examples
She felt a sense of apprehension before her exam results.
"Apprehension" sounds like "a pre-tension" – a feeling of tension before something happens.
NounHard
English: A gathering or collection of people, animals, or things; a body of people assembled for religious worship. Explanation: A group of people gathered together, especially for religious worship.
मंडली, सभा
Congregations
NounHard
English: A gathering or collection of people, animals, or things; a body of people assembled for religious worship. Explanation: A group of people gathered together, especially for religious worship.
मंडली, सभा
Examples
The pastor addressed the congregation during the service.
"Con-gregations" – "con" meaning "together," "greg" from Latin for "flock" or "herd."
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of two or more people) fully in agreement; (of an opinion, decision, or vote) held or carried by everyone involved. Explanation: When everyone involved agrees completely on a decision, opinion, or vote.
सर्वसम्मत, एकमत
Unanimous
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of two or more people) fully in agreement; (of an opinion, decision, or vote) held or carried by everyone involved. Explanation: When everyone involved agrees completely on a decision, opinion, or vote.
"Un-animous" – "uni" for one, "animus" for mind/spirit – one mind.
NounMedium
English: A positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise. Explanation: A promise or a positive statement made to give confidence or remove doubt.
आश्वासन, भरोसा
Assurances
NounMedium
English: A positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise. Explanation: A promise or a positive statement made to give confidence or remove doubt.
आश्वासन, भरोसा
Examples
He gave me his assurance that the work would be done on time.
"Retro-actively" – "retro" means backward, so acting backward in time.
AdjectiveMedium
English: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. Explanation: Covering all or nearly all aspects; complete and thorough.
व्यापक, विस्तृत
Comprehensive
AdjectiveMedium
English: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. Explanation: Covering all or nearly all aspects; complete and thorough.
व्यापक, विस्तृत
Examples
The report provided a comprehensive overview of the situation.
"Equitable" sounds like "equal-table" – everyone gets an equal share at the table.
Study Tip
Bookmark difficult words to your Word Bank and review them regularly to lock them into memory.
Vocabulary
AdjectiveMedium
English: Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Explanation: Describes something that continues for a long time or is done with determination, often despite challenges.
लगातार, दृढ़
Persistent
AdjectiveMedium
English: Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Explanation: Describes something that continues for a long time or is done with determination, often despite challenges.
Imagine a "fast" train on a "track" moving quickly.
VerbMedium
English: To make (a bill or other proposal) law; to put into practice. Explanation: Refers to the formal process of turning a proposal or bill into a law, or putting a plan into action.
अधिनियमित करना, लागू करना
Enacted
VerbMedium
English: To make (a bill or other proposal) law; to put into practice. Explanation: Refers to the formal process of turning a proposal or bill into a law, or putting a plan into action.
अधिनियमित करना, लागू करना
Examples
Parliament enacted new laws to protect the environment.
Think of "seizing" a moment or "seizing" control – taking it quickly.
VerbHard
English: (Of a right, privilege, or agreement) become invalid because it is not used, renewed, or fulfilled. Explanation: When something like a right, a certificate, or an agreement expires or becomes invalid, often due to a failure to act.
समाप्त होना, चूक जाना
Lapses
VerbHard
English: (Of a right, privilege, or agreement) become invalid because it is not used, renewed, or fulfilled. Explanation: When something like a right, a certificate, or an agreement expires or becomes invalid, often due to a failure to act.
समाप्त होना, चूक जाना
Examples
His membership lapsed because he forgot to renew it.
"Lapse" sounds like "collapse" – something falling apart or becoming invalid.
VerbHard
English: To lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing or because of a rule or law. Explanation: To lose something, especially property or a right, as a penalty or consequence of failing to meet a condition.
ज़ब्त हो जाना, गंवा देना
Forfeited
VerbHard
English: To lose or be deprived of (property or a right or privilege) as a penalty for wrongdoing or because of a rule or law. Explanation: To lose something, especially property or a right, as a penalty or consequence of failing to meet a condition.
ज़ब्त हो जाना, गंवा देना
Examples
He forfeited his deposit when he cancelled the booking.
"Forfeit" sounds like "for-fit" – you lose it because you don't fit the requirements.
VerbHard
English: To take (something) for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission; to devote (money or assets) to a special purpose. Explanation: To take something, often without permission, for one's own use, or to allocate funds for a specific purpose.
विनियोजित करना, हड़प लेना
Appropriated
VerbHard
English: To take (something) for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission; to devote (money or assets) to a special purpose. Explanation: To take something, often without permission, for one's own use, or to allocate funds for a specific purpose.
विनियोजित करना, हड़प लेना
Examples
The government appropriated land for the new highway.
"Re-course" – think of going back to a "course" or path that offers help.
NounMedium
English: The act of gaining possession of something; something bought or obtained. Explanation: The process of getting or obtaining something, especially a company, property, or knowledge.
अधिग्रहण, प्राप्ति
Acquisition
NounMedium
English: The act of gaining possession of something; something bought or obtained. Explanation: The process of getting or obtaining something, especially a company, property, or knowledge.
अधिग्रहण, प्राप्ति
Examples
The company's latest acquisition was a small tech startup.
Synonyms
Procurement, obtainment, purchase, gain, possession, attainment, assimilation
Antonyms
Divestiture, disposal, loss, relinquishment, sale, surrender, forfeiture
Memory Trick
"Acquisition" sounds like "a quick position" – quickly getting something.
NounMedium
English: A condition or requirement in a legal document; the action of providing or supplying something for use. Explanation: A specific condition or clause in a legal document or agreement; also, the act of supplying something.
प्रावधान, व्यवस्था
Provision
NounMedium
English: A condition or requirement in a legal document; the action of providing or supplying something for use. Explanation: A specific condition or clause in a legal document or agreement; also, the act of supplying something.
प्रावधान, व्यवस्था
Examples
The contract included a provision for early termination.
"Direct-ives" – they "direct" you to do something.
VerbHard
English: To officially cancel (a decision, appointment, or agreement). Explanation: To officially cancel or take back a license, decision, or agreement.
रद्द करना, वापस लेना
Revoke
VerbHard
English: To officially cancel (a decision, appointment, or agreement). Explanation: To officially cancel or take back a license, decision, or agreement.
"Revoke" sounds like "re-voke" – taking back what was spoken or given.
VerbHard
English: To take or seize (someone's property) with authority. Explanation: To officially take private property away from someone, usually as a penalty or by legal authority.
ज़ब्त करना, कुर्क करना
Confiscate
VerbHard
English: To take or seize (someone's property) with authority. Explanation: To officially take private property away from someone, usually as a penalty or by legal authority.
"Dictate" sounds like "dictator" – someone who commands.
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense; (of a person or statement) having or showing great knowledge or insight. Explanation: Very deep, intense, or significant; showing great insight or understanding.
गहरा, गंभीर
Profound
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of a state, quality, or emotion) very great or intense; (of a person or statement) having or showing great knowledge or insight. Explanation: Very deep, intense, or significant; showing great insight or understanding.
"Profound" sounds like "pro-found" – something found that is very important or deep.
NounHard
English: Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen. Explanation: A feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant is about to happen.
आशंका, भय
Apprehension
NounHard
English: Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen. Explanation: A feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant is about to happen.
आशंका, भय
Examples
She felt a sense of apprehension before her exam results.
"Apprehension" sounds like "a pre-tension" – a feeling of tension before something happens.
NounHard
English: A gathering or collection of people, animals, or things; a body of people assembled for religious worship. Explanation: A group of people gathered together, especially for religious worship.
मंडली, सभा
Congregations
NounHard
English: A gathering or collection of people, animals, or things; a body of people assembled for religious worship. Explanation: A group of people gathered together, especially for religious worship.
मंडली, सभा
Examples
The pastor addressed the congregation during the service.
"Con-gregations" – "con" meaning "together," "greg" from Latin for "flock" or "herd."
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of two or more people) fully in agreement; (of an opinion, decision, or vote) held or carried by everyone involved. Explanation: When everyone involved agrees completely on a decision, opinion, or vote.
सर्वसम्मत, एकमत
Unanimous
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of two or more people) fully in agreement; (of an opinion, decision, or vote) held or carried by everyone involved. Explanation: When everyone involved agrees completely on a decision, opinion, or vote.
"Un-animous" – "uni" for one, "animus" for mind/spirit – one mind.
NounMedium
English: A positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise. Explanation: A promise or a positive statement made to give confidence or remove doubt.
आश्वासन, भरोसा
Assurances
NounMedium
English: A positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise. Explanation: A promise or a positive statement made to give confidence or remove doubt.
आश्वासन, भरोसा
Examples
He gave me his assurance that the work would be done on time.
"Retro-actively" – "retro" means backward, so acting backward in time.
AdjectiveMedium
English: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. Explanation: Covering all or nearly all aspects; complete and thorough.
व्यापक, विस्तृत
Comprehensive
AdjectiveMedium
English: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. Explanation: Covering all or nearly all aspects; complete and thorough.
व्यापक, विस्तृत
Examples
The report provided a comprehensive overview of the situation.
