Nagaland CM asks Centre to rethink FCRA changes, cites impact on churches and welfare programmes

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging him to reconsider the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), saying the changes could impose an undue burden on churches and Christian charitable organisations and adversely affect education, healthcare and social welfare programmes in the state.

In a letter dated August 10, Mr. Rio proposed that the FCRA amendments be referred to a parliamentary committee for a comprehensive examination, with representatives of all stakeholders given an opportunity to present their views. Such a process, he said, would address genuine concerns, remove apprehensions and build public confidence while protecting transparency, accountability and national interest.

The Chief Minister described the proposed move as reflecting the “inclusive and positive approach” of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and reaffirming India's commitment to constitutional values, secular ethos and respect for the rights and contributions of all communities.

The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25 this year and is expected to be taken up for discussion during the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament. In June, the government notified amended FCRA rules that require non-governmental organisations to select from a predefined list of purposes and areas of operation while receiving foreign funds. The rules allow a range of faith-based activities but explicitly exclude proselytisation from several categories eligible for registration under the FCRA.

Mr. Rio said various sections of society, particularly the Christian community, had expressed concerns over the proposed amendments. He noted that the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Bishop of Kohima had submitted representations to the Union Home Minister, highlighting difficulties faced by churches and associated charitable organisations. The Chief Minister requested that these representations be considered with due sensitivity, keeping in view Nagaland's unique social, historical and developmental circumstances.

Stating that more than 90% of Nagaland's population is Christian, Mr. Rio emphasised that churches have historically played a vital role in the state's spiritual and community life. He pointed to their contributions in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, social welfare, livelihood support and assistance to disadvantaged and vulnerable sections. Many educational, healthcare, humanitarian and social-service activities, particularly in remote and economically weaker areas, have been supported by legitimate foreign contributions and partnerships, he added.

The Chief Minister said increasingly stringent FCRA regulatory and compliance requirements have already imposed considerable financial and administrative burdens on churches and charitable organisations. The proposed amendments, if implemented in their present form, could further compound these difficulties and affect ongoing welfare, educational, healthcare and social-service programmes. Smaller grassroots institutions with limited resources, which serve remote and underserved communities, could be particularly affected, he warned.

Mr. Rio also raised concerns over reports that FCRA renewal applications of some Christian organisations had been declined on grounds related to the alleged utilisation of foreign contributions for religious conversion. Given Nagaland's demographic context, he said such cases warranted careful and sensitive examination based on the actual nature and purpose of the organisations' activities.

The Chief Minister's request for a parliamentary committee review comes amid broader debates over the FCRA's scope and its impact on civil society, faith-based groups and non-governmental organisations across the country. The government has maintained that the amendments are intended to enhance transparency and accountability in the receipt and utilisation of foreign funds.