FCRA Amendment Is Against Spirit of Democracy and Social Justice, Says Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan

Alappuzha: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday voiced serious concern over the central government's move to fast-track amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) through Parliament, demanding that the proposed changes be withdrawn immediately.

Speaking at a press conference, the Chief Minister warned that the amendments could severely curtail the operational freedom of a large number of organisations working in the social service sector, and significantly undermine the assistance currently reaching the poor and marginalised communities.

He said the Keralam government shared the apprehension that the proposed changes were moving in a direction that would obstruct the aid and care provided by service organisations working in education, healthcare, disaster relief, and allied sectors to the most vulnerable sections of society. He added that the amendments would prove particularly damaging for minority communities.

The CM characterised the move as part of a deliberate political agenda aimed at restricting civil society activity and suppressing voices of dissent. He asserted that the proposed amendments were contrary to the spirit of democracy and the principles of social justice, and called upon the central government to withdraw them without delay.