New Delhi, March 28, 2026 — Major Christian organizations, led by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), have expressed grave concern over the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, terming it “dangerous and alarming” for its potential to enable excessive government control over minority institutions and civil society organizations. The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25-26, 2026, by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, triggering immediate protests from opposition MPs and strong reactions from Church leaders.
The amendments seek to tighten oversight of foreign-funded NGOs by introducing a new “designated authority” empowered to take provisional or permanent control of institutions, funds, properties, and assets created with foreign contributions in cases where an organization’s FCRA registration is suspended, cancelled, surrendered, or not renewed. The bill also broadens the definition of “key functionaries” and aims to provide a statutory framework for vesting, supervision, management, and disposal of such assets.
# CBCI’s Strong Objections
In a detailed statement issued shortly after the bill’s introduction, the CBCI described the proposed changes as risking “executive overreach” into constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, particularly those of religious minorities. The apex body of the Catholic Church in India objected strongly to provisions that would allow the Central Government, as the licensing authority, to deny renewal or cancel licences and subsequently assume control over affected organizations.
“The provisions enabling the Centre to take control of the foreign funds and assets of NGOs upon the expiry of their FCRA registration are undemocratic, unconstitutional, and contrary to the principles of natural justice,” the CBCI statement said. It warned that the bill, introduced under the pretext of licence renewal and transparency, could lead to undue interference in the functioning of minority institutions and civil society groups.
The CBCI urged the government to reconsider the legislation, remove all contentious provisions, and ensure that constitutional rights and freedoms — especially for minorities — remain fully protected. It also questioned the unilateral manner in which the bill was brought forward despite objections raised by opposition members in Parliament.
# Broader Church Concerns
Other Church voices echoed these fears. In Kerala, Fr Michael Pulickal of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Conference (KCBC) suggested that the bill’s approach to limiting minority rights mirrors the objectives of anti-conversion laws. Jesuit human rights activist Fr Cedric Prakash warned that the amendments would “tremendously affect Church-based NGOs and those run by other minorities,” putting assets bought with foreign funds — often used for schools, hospitals, and welfare programs serving the poor — in danger.
Leaders highlighted that many Christian-run charitable institutions in India rely on foreign contributions for education, healthcare, and social services. They expressed apprehension that stricter controls and the threat of asset seizure could paralyze these initiatives, impacting marginalized communities.
Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, have also criticized the bill, describing it as granting sweeping discretionary powers to the executive with limited safeguards. Tharoor called for strong resistance against the legislation, noting its potential adverse effects on institutions providing invaluable service through schools, colleges, and hospitals.
# Government’s Position
While introducing the bill, Minister Nityanand Rai countered opposition charges by asserting that it is “indeed dangerous” — but only for those engaged in forced religious conversions using foreign funds or those abusing contributions for personal gain. The government maintained that the amendments aim to enhance transparency, prevent misutilization of foreign contributions, and ensure proper utilization for legitimate charitable purposes. It emphasized that the changes would not spare individuals or entities involved in such malpractices.
The bill was introduced amid protests in the Lok Sabha, with opposition members arguing that it delegates excessive powers to the executive, leaves critical details to subordinate rules, and could be misused against NGOs working in human rights, education, health, and tribal welfare.
# Context and Implications
This is not the first time FCRA regulations have drawn criticism. Previous amendments and stringent enforcement have already led to cancellation of registrations for thousands of organizations, including many Christian groups, prompting concerns about shrinking civic space.
Church bodies and activists fear that the new provisions could amount to a form of state control or quasi-expropriation over assets built through decades of foreign-supported charitable work. They have called for wider consultation and deliberation before any further legislative progress.
As the bill moves through Parliament, the controversy has intensified debates on balancing national security, transparency in foreign funding, and the constitutional rights to freedom of religion, association, and minority institutions under Articles 25-30 of the Indian Constitution.
Whether the government will accommodate demands for revisions or the bill will face further opposition — both inside the House and from civil society — remains to be seen. The CBCI and other Church organizations have stressed that any regulatory framework must uphold democratic principles and protect the independence of faith-based charitable work that benefits millions across India.
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