Withdrawal amendment to FCRA Rules: CM

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has criticised the “unilateral” amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules (FCRA) by the Union government.

The amendment created conditions in which non-governmental organisations could not function in the country, the Chief Minister said in a statement. It could not but be suspected that the amendment was part of attacks on minorities carried out by Sangh Parivar organisations nationwide, Mr. Satheesan said.

The amendment, he said, would wipe out non-governmental organisations that conducted socio-educational activities in tribal regions in north of the country as well as North-Eastern States. The government could curb the functioning of any organisation in the country on the demand of Sangh Parivar organisations.

Mr. Satheesan demanded that the Union government withdraw the amendment urgently. The State leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Union Minister from Kerala should clarify their stance on the issue, he said in the statement.