MP asks Centre to defer FCRA Bill, seeks wider consultations
Around 70% of Nagaland’s 262 registered organisations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) have had their registrations cancelled, according to figures cited by Nagaland Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir, who has urged the Centre to defer the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 and hold wider consultations.
In a communication to Union Home Minister Amit Shah dated August 11, Jamir said the figures highlighted the need for greater scrutiny and consultation before introducing further changes to the FCRA framework.
The MP said the proposed legislation could have implications for organisations working in education, healthcare, orphanage care, charitable activities and humanitarian services.
At the national level, Jamir cited figures showing that 22,498 FCRA registrations have been cancelled, while another 15,212 registrations could not be renewed and have expired. The figures cited in his appeal, attributed to PRS Legislative Research, show 14,449 active FCRA certificates as of July 15, 2026.
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Jamir has particularly raised concern over provisions in the proposed Bill relating to the creation of a “Designated Authority”. He said the proposed framework would deal with the vesting, supervision, management and disposal of foreign contributions and assets of organisations whose FCRA certificates cease to exist through cancellation, surrender or non-renewal.
According to Jamir, the provision could have serious consequences for institutions that have used foreign contributions to establish educational, healthcare, charitable or other public-service infrastructure.
He also raised concerns over constitutional safeguards, referring to Article 300A of the Constitution, which provides that no person shall be deprived of property except by authority of law.
While acknowledging the need to regulate foreign contributions to protect national security, sovereignty and public order, Jamir said legitimate institutions working for public welfare should also be protected.
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He has appealed to the Union government to defer the proposed Bill until stakeholders and political parties have been given an opportunity for wider consultation.
“The proposed FCRA Bill, 2026 should not be taken up until all stakeholders and political parties are given an opportunity for wide consultation in the greater interest of the country,” Jamir said.
He said the final legislation should balance national security and financial accountability with constitutional safeguards and the legitimate welfare activities of civil society organisations.
