Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), citing concerns raised by churches and Christian organisations in the state over the potential impact of the proposed changes on their charitable and social-service activities.
In a letter to Shah, Rio called for wider stakeholder consultation and greater parliamentary scrutiny of the proposed legislation, including consideration of referring it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
The FCRA regulates the receipt and use of foreign contributions by eligible organisations in India. The proposed amendments include new provisions governing foreign contributions and assets when an organisation’s FCRA registration ceases to be valid.
Rio said he had been holding consultations with Christian leaders and had another round of discussions with the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Bishop of Kohima on August 9. According to Rio, the church representatives conveyed concerns over the difficulties faced by churches and Christian organisations in carrying out their activities and humanitarian services.
He said the proposed changes could further increase the financial and administrative burden on organisations, particularly smaller institutions working in remote and economically disadvantaged areas.
Rio also raised concerns over cases where FCRA renewal applications of certain church organisations have reportedly been declined on grounds relating to alleged religious conversion. He urged that such cases be reviewed individually and objectively, taking into account the nature and purpose of the activities undertaken by the organisations.
The Chief Minister said legitimate charitable, educational, healthcare and social-welfare activities should not be adversely affected by broad or generalised assessments, particularly where organisations have otherwise complied with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
Highlighting the role of churches and Christian organisations in Nagaland, Rio said they have historically contributed to education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, social welfare and humanitarian assistance, including in remote areas.
He also pointed to their role in responding to natural disasters and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rio acknowledged the responsibility of the Union government to ensure transparency, accountability and compliance in the use of foreign contributions, while arguing that genuine charitable and humanitarian institutions should not be inadvertently affected by the regulatory framework.
He therefore urged the Centre to subject the proposed legislation to wider discussion and consultation with organisations and communities likely to be affected, and to consider referring the Bill to a JPC.
Such a process, Rio said, would help address concerns, remove apprehensions and strengthen public confidence in the proposed regulatory framework while safeguarding the objectives of transparency, accountability and national interest.