The Naga People’s Front (NPF) fully endorses the Hon’ble Chief Minister and NPF President Dr. Neiphiu Rio’s letter to Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah regarding the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.
The NPF is of the view that the proposed changes may place undue pressure on churches, Christian charitable bodies, and the educational, health and welfare programmes they run across Nagaland. The party urges that the FCRA Amendment Bill be referred to a Parliamentary Committee for wider consultation. Stakeholders and faith-based organisations must be given an opportunity to share their views. Such consultation will address genuine concerns, uphold transparency and accountability, and reflect the NDA government’s commitment to inclusive governance and India’s secular values.
For over 150 years, churches and Christian organisations in Nagaland have worked alongside the Government in providing healthcare, education, and relief during calamities and the COVID pandemic. Much of this service has been sustained through genuine foreign partnerships.
Across India too, Christian institutions have contributed significantly to nation building through schools, colleges, hospitals and charitable bodies serving all communities without distinction.
In Nagaland, these institutions have also played a key role in promoting literacy, women empowerment, skill development, rural development, and peace-building, especially in remote and border areas where government reach is limited.
The NPF notes that existing FCRA rules have already created financial and administrative strain. The new amendments could further burden small grassroots organisations. The party is concerned by reports of rejection of FCRA renewals citing alleged misuse. Such cases must be examined objectively and on merit so that genuine welfare work is not affected. The NPF extends support to the representations made by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council and the Bishop of Kohima to the Union Home Minister.
The NPF stands with the people of Nagaland in safeguarding institutions that have served the state for generations.
The NPF appeals to the Central Government to consider Nagaland’s unique history, social structure and developmental needs while finalising the FCRA rules.
Issued by:
Press Bureau
Naga People’s Front,
Central Headquarters: Kohima
(The views expressed are those of the writer and not of the newspaper)