No New FCRA Ban on News by NGOs

Hyderabad: The Ministry of Home Affairsministry of home affairs has clarified that recent amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), notified on May 26, do not introduce any new prohibitions on NGOs receiving foreign funds for publishing newsletters or news-related content.

Responding to concerns raised in the Lok Sabha by Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, minister of state for home affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar said existing restrictions stem from the original FCRA, 2010, which bars foreign funding for entities involved in news and current affairs.

The 2025 amendments are procedural in nature and aim to streamline the application process. NGOs engaged in publishing activities are now required to furnish certain documents—such as an undertaking of compliance and a "Not a Newspaper" certificate from the Registrar of Newspapers for India—at the initial stage of application rather than later.

The ministry emphasised that these changes are intended to improve clarity and expedite approvals, not to impose new restrictions. The definition of “news content” remains unchanged, and the grievance redressal mechanisms under the FCRA continue to be available.

It also confirmed that internal consultations were held before the amendments, taking into account operational challenges and stakeholder feedback.