The Tamil Nadu Minority People’s Welfare Committee on Tuesday organised a protest rally and demonstration here against the proposed amendment to the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act.The rally was conducted from Sacred Heart Cathedral on Pookara Street at Kallukulam and wound its way through Maris Corner and Lower Bridge and reached the demonstration site near the Head Post Office opposite to the railway junction.The participants raised slogans against the Bill and alleged that it was an attempt to take over minority organisations and institutions such as schools, colleges and hospitals.Most Reverend T. Sagayaraj, Bishop, Thanjavur Diocese, presided over the rally and demonstration. P. B. Prince Gajendra Babu, general secretary, State Platform for Common School System-Tamil Nadu, addressed the participants.Earlier, talking to The Hindu, Mr. Prince Gajendra Babu said the proposed amendment was opposed by several MPs, who were pointing out that it infringed on the fundamental rights provided under Section 19(1)(c) of the Constitution and provided scope for the State to exercise its powers in an arbitrary manner when it comes to vesting or taking over of assets of ‘non-renewal’ of FCRA licence by a Designated Authority.Already the State had the power to take over assets created by an FCRA licence holding organisation on cancellation or cessation, under section 15 of the FCRA. However, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs went ahead by framing regulations based on the amendment though the Bill was yet to attain the status of an Act, he added.Stating that the scope for arbitrariness in the amendment might not only cause adverse impact on minority-run institutions but also on other institutions, particularly in faith-based activities. Hence, those opposing the amendment should demand that the Bill be withdrawn and regulations notified based on the proposed amendment be taken back, he said. Published - July 28, 2026 07:02 pm IST