Thiruvananthapuram,25 June (H.S.)
:Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Thursday strongly criticised the Centre's recent amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Rules, alleging that the changes would severely undermine the functioning of voluntary organisations across the country and disproportionately affect minority communities.
In a statement, the Chief Minister said the amendments had been introduced unilaterally by the Union government without adequate consultation and warned that they would make it increasingly difficult for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to operate independently. He questioned whether the latest changes were part of a broader effort to intensify what he described as a nationwide campaign targeting minority communities.
Satheesan expressed concern that the revised rules would particularly impact charitable and voluntary organisations engaged in educational and social welfare activities in tribal regions of northern and northeastern India. Many of these organisations have been working in remote areas for decades, and the new regulatory framework could effectively cripple their operations, he said.
The Chief Minister further alleged that the amendments would grant the government sweeping powers to restrict or prohibit the activities of organisations with relative ease. According to him, this could create an atmosphere of uncertainty for civil society groups and weaken institutions that play a vital role in providing education, healthcare and social support in underserved regions.
Calling the amendments a 'draconian' measure aimed at minority communities, Satheesan urged the Union government to withdraw the changes immediately. He argued that the new provisions posed a threat to democratic institutions and the constitutional rights of voluntary organisations working in the public interest.
The Kerala Chief Minister also called upon the BJP's Kerala leadership and Union ministers representing the state to clarify their stand on the issue. He said they owed an explanation to the people of Kerala on a matter that, according to him, has significant implications for democracy and civil society in the country.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
