Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to consider wider stakeholder consultation and greater parliamentary scrutiny of the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), including referral of the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
In a letter to Shah dated August 9, Rio expressed concerns regarding the proposed amendments, particularly from the Christian community, and requested that they be considered with sensitivity, keeping in view Nagaland’s unique social, historical, and developmental circumstances.
Rio pointed out that more than 90% of Nagaland’s population is Christian, and churches have historically played a significant role in the state’s spiritual and community life, as well as in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, social welfare, livelihood support, and assistance to disadvantaged sections.
He noted that legitimate foreign contributions and partnerships have supported many educational, healthcare, humanitarian, and social-service programs, particularly in remote and economically weaker areas. However, increasingly stringent FCRA regulatory and compliance requirements have already placed considerable financial and administrative burdens on churches and charitable organizations.
Rio apprehended that the proposed amendments, if implemented in their present form, could further compound these difficulties and adversely affect ongoing welfare, educational, healthcare, and social-service programs, particularly those run by smaller grassroots institutions with limited resources.
He also referred to reports that renewal applications of certain church organizations had been declined on grounds relating to alleged use of foreign contributions for religious conversion. Rio urged that such cases be reviewed objectively and individually, taking into account the actual nature and purpose of the activities undertaken by the organizations.
Highlighting the humanitarian role of churches and Christian organizations, Rio said they were providing substantial relief and assistance to people affected by the ongoing floods and landslides. He also recalled their contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, when churches and Christian institutions mobilized resources, infrastructure, and volunteers in support of communities and government efforts.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has accused the BJP-led Centre of attempting to ‘weaponise’ the FCRA against Christian institutions, churches, NGOs, and civil society organizations. The NPCC said Christian organizations in Nagaland and across India have contributed to education, healthcare, and social welfare through schools, hospitals, orphanages, rehabilitation centers, and humanitarian programs for communities.
The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has also alleged that the BJP and RSS’s primary objective is to establish a Hindu Rashtra and that the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 is part of efforts to restrict Christian organizations receiving foreign assistance. The MPCC has resolved to oppose the Bill when it is introduced in Parliament and vote against it.
