Joint Parliamentary Committee FCRA Bill — The Lok Sabha has passed a motion referring the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). This involves key concepts about JPC composition, functioning, and the FCRA framework. Here is a complete UPSC-focused breakdown.
Why in News: Joint Parliamentary Committee FCRA Bill
The Lok Sabha passed a motion referring the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The JPC will have 21 members from the Lok Sabha nominated by Speaker Om Birla and 10 from the Rajya Sabha nominated by Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan.
Key Facts for Prelims: Joint Parliamentary Committee FCRA Bill
- A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is a temporary, ad-hoc investigative body drawn from both houses of Parliament to scrutinize specific bills or issues.
- Nature: It is an ad hoc (temporary) committee that dissolves automatically after completing its task and submitting its report.
- Composition: Members from both houses, usually in a ratio of 2:1 between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (this JPC: 21 LS + 10 RS = 31 members).
- Leadership: The Chairperson is appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha and is always a member of the lower house.
- The FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) is an internal security law managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- FCRA controls how Indian NGOs, associations, and individuals accept and use donations from foreign sources.
- FCRA’s main goal is to ensure foreign money does not harm national security.
Static Exam Link
Prelims: JPC composition, FCRA provisions, types of Parliamentary Committees
Mains GS-II: Role of Parliamentary Committees in legislative scrutiny, regulation of foreign funding in India
Quick Revision Table: Joint Parliamentary Committee FCRA Bill
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| What is JPC? | Temporary ad-hoc body from both Houses for specific scrutiny |
| Composition ratio | 2:1 (Lok Sabha : Rajya Sabha) |
| This JPC | 21 from LS + 10 from RS = 31 members |
| Chairperson appointed by | Speaker of Lok Sabha |
| Chairperson from | Always a Lok Sabha member |
| FCRA managed by | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| FCRA purpose | Regulate foreign contributions to prevent harm to national security |
Trap / Confusing Points: Joint Parliamentary Committee FCRA Bill
- Trap: JPC is a Standing Committee — Wrong! JPC is an ad hoc (temporary) committee, not a standing committee. It dissolves after submitting its report.
- Trap: JPC Chairperson can be from Rajya Sabha — Wrong! The Chairperson is always appointed by the Speaker and is always from the Lok Sabha.
- Trap: FCRA is managed by Ministry of External Affairs — Wrong! FCRA is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, as it is an internal security law.
Practice MCQs: Joint Parliamentary Committee FCRA Bill
Q1. A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is:
- a) A permanent standing committee of Parliament
- b) An ad hoc temporary committee that dissolves after its task
- c) A committee of only Lok Sabha members
- d) A constitutional body under Article 118
Answer: b) An ad hoc temporary committee that dissolves after its task
A JPC is a temporary body that is constituted for a specific purpose and dissolves automatically after completing its designated task and submitting its report.
Q2. The Chairperson of a Joint Parliamentary Committee is appointed by:
- a) President of India
- b) Prime Minister
- c) Speaker of Lok Sabha
- d) Chairman of Rajya Sabha
Answer: c) Speaker of Lok Sabha
The Chairperson is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and is always a member of the lower house.
Q3. The FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) is administered by which Ministry?
- a) Ministry of External Affairs
- b) Ministry of Finance
- c) Ministry of Home Affairs
- d) Ministry of Law and Justice
Answer: c) Ministry of Home Affairs
FCRA is an internal security law managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Q4. The usual composition ratio of JPC members from Lok Sabha to Rajya Sabha is:
- a) 1:1
- b) 2:1
- c) 3:1
- d) Equal representation
Answer: b) 2:1
JPC includes members from both houses, usually maintaining a ratio of 2:1 between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to reflect the size of each house.
Q5. The primary objective of FCRA is to:
- a) Promote foreign investment in India
- b) Regulate foreign trade agreements
- c) Ensure foreign contributions do not harm national security
- d) Manage diplomatic relations with foreign nations
Answer: c) Ensure foreign contributions do not harm national security
FCRA’s main goal is to make sure foreign money does not harm India’s national security.
📌 Daily UPSC Current Affairs — 21 August 2026
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