Nagaland, 10th August 2026 (Nokinketer News): Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to subject the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to wider stakeholder consultation and greater parliamentary scrutiny.

In a letter dated August 9, Dr. Rio said concerns and apprehensions had been expressed by various sections of society, particularly the Christian community, over the proposed amendments. He noted that the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Bishop of Kohima had also made representations to the Union Home Minister on the issue.

The Chief Minister said churches and Christian organisations in Nagaland have historically played an important role in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, social welfare, livelihood support and humanitarian services, particularly in remote and economically disadvantaged areas.

He pointed out that increasing regulatory and compliance requirements under the FCRA had already placed considerable financial and administrative burdens on churches and charitable organisations. He expressed concern that the proposed amendments, if implemented in their present form, could further affect ongoing welfare, educational, healthcare and social-service programmes, especially those run by smaller grassroots institutions.

Dr. Rio also raised concerns over reports that applications for renewal of FCRA registration of certain organisations had been declined on grounds relating to alleged utilisation of foreign funds for religious conversion. He urged that such cases be examined objectively and individually, taking into account the nature and purpose of the activities undertaken by the organisations.

Highlighting the contribution of Christian institutions to Nagaland’s development for more than 150 years, Rio said churches and Christian organisations had helped establish schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, charitable institutions and social-service organisations, serving people irrespective of religion, community or social background.

He also acknowledged the Government of India’s responsibility to ensure transparency, accountability and compliance in the use of foreign contributions, while stressing that genuine charitable, educational, healthcare and humanitarian institutions should not be adversely affected or placed under uncertainty.

Against this backdrop, Rio requested the Union Government to consider referring the proposed FCRA amendments to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for comprehensive examination and for hearing the views of concerned stakeholders.

He said such a process would help address genuine concerns, remove apprehensions and build greater public confidence in the proposed regulatory framework, while ensuring that transparency, accountability and national interest remain protected.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that wider consultation would reflect an inclusive approach and strengthen the democratic foundations of the country.

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