Church association urges Nagaland govt to seek withdrawal of proposed FCRA amendment Bill

Kohima, Jul 10 (PTI) The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has urged Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to press the Centre to withdraw the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, claiming that it would adversely affect churches, Christian institutions, charitable organisations and civil society groups engaged in humanitarian and developmental work. In a representation submitted to the chief minister, the NBCC, representing 21 Baptist Associations, four associate members, 1,626 congregations and 7,48,532 baptised members across Nagaland, said the Church has been a key partner in the state's development for over a century through its work in education, healthcare, peacebuilding, disaster relief, youth and women's empowerment, de-addiction programmes, and care for the poor and marginalised. It said lawful foreign contributions have enabled Christian organisations to sustain these works, particularly in remote and economically disadvantaged areas, and are expressions of Christian fellowship and humanitarian partnership rather than political influence. While acknowledging the Government of India's authority to regulate foreign contributions in the interests of national security, transparency and accountability, the council maintained that the proposed amendments go beyond reasonable regulation and impose excessive restrictions on genuine charitable and faith-based organisations that complement government welfare efforts. The NBCC claimed that the proposed Bill could restrict churches and charitable institutions from receiving and utilising legitimate foreign contributions for humanitarian, educational, healthcare and community development initiatives. It also warned that the amendments would place additional regulatory burdens on smaller churches and grassroots ministries, disrupt long-standing partnerships between Indian churches and global Christian organisations, undermine programmes serving children, youth, women, persons with disabilities, the elderly and economically weaker communities, discourage philanthropic support, and create the possibility of institutional assets being taken over if an organisation's FCRA registration is cancelled. Referring to the Kerala Legislative Assembly's resolution urging the Union government to repeal the proposed FCRA Bill, the NBCC urged the Nagaland government to adopt a similar stand. It said churches are foundational social institutions that have shaped Nagaland's educational, moral, cultural and humanitarian landscape. The representation, signed by NBCC president Rev Achu Chang, general secretary Rev Dr Mar Pongener and secretary (Social Concern) Dr Villo Naleo, said the council remains committed to working with the government in promoting peace, justice, social harmony and holistic development while expressing confidence in the chief minister's leadership in safeguarding the interests of Nagaland. PTI NBS NBS RG