New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, March 30, 2026: The controversy over the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 has intensified, with Christian Church bodies and the Congress party accusing the Centre of targeting minority institutions through stricter oversight of foreign funding, while Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly denied any such intent.
The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, 2026 by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, proposes significant changes to the FCRA framework. Key provisions include the creation of a "designated authority" empowered to take over, manage, supervise, or dispose of assets and unutilised foreign contributions from organisations whose FCRA registration is suspended, cancelled, lapsed, or not renewed in time. It aims to plug operational and legal gaps, enhance transparency, prevent misuse of foreign funds for activities like forced religious conversions or actions against national interest, and safeguard national security. The government has described the move as purely regulatory.
# Church Concerns
Christian institutions, particularly in Kerala — home to a large network of Church-run hospitals, educational trusts, and social welfare NGOs that have historically relied on foreign contributions — have expressed alarm. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), the apex body of the Catholic Church, called the amendments "dangerous and alarming," flagging "undue interference" in minority institutions and civil society. It raised concerns over sweeping powers to deny or cancel licences, lack of fairness and transparency, and the potential for executive overreach that could undermine constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. The CBCI urged wider consultation and removal of contentious clauses.
Leaders from other denominations have voiced similar fears. The Supreme head of the Orthodox Church, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III Catholicos, warned that the changes could "suffocate" Church functioning and disrupt social service activities. He noted that three Church accounts had already been blocked without clear explanation and highlighted possible "double standards" in policy towards minorities. Leaders from the Syro-Malabar Church echoed concerns that provisions allowing asset takeover could undermine charitable institutions built over decades. Church representatives have conveyed these issues directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a review or withdrawal of the amendments, with threats of coordinated protests.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor held discussions with Archbishop Thomas Tharayil of Changanassery on the bill's potential impact on Kerala's Christian institutions, describing the provisions as perverse given the Church's longstanding contributions to education, healthcare, and charity.
# Congress Criticism
Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal alleged the amendments form part of a “larger conspiracy” by the BJP to curb voluntary activities of minority communities. He called the bill a "sword of Damocles" hanging over minorities and accused the Centre of seeking to intimidate and control Christian institutions. Venugopal rejected the government's argument linking the changes to preventing forced conversions, terming it a pretext to target genuine humanitarian work, especially in remote and tribal areas. He also criticised Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not taking a firm stand.
The row has gained traction in Kerala, where Assembly elections are scheduled for April 9, 2026, sharpening political divides in a state with a significant Christian population (around 18%).
# Government's Response
Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the allegations as "baseless" and a "false narrative" peddled by the Congress and Left parties. He clarified that the FCRA amendments do not target any particular religious group or community. "The sole objective is to prevent misuse of foreign funds and safeguard national security," Rijiju stated, adding that ensuring transparency in foreign funding is the government's responsibility. He emphasised that the bill is not against any community and focuses on restricting misuse for illegal activities.
The escalation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of NGOs under the existing FCRA regime, with past instances of licence cancellations or suspensions for alleged violations. The government maintains that the amendments strengthen accountability without discriminatory intent.
As the bill progresses in Parliament, the debate is likely to intensify, with opposition parties and Church bodies pushing for greater safeguards and consultation, while the Centre defends it as a necessary regulatory measure in the national interest.
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