Rio urges Centre to address concerns over proposed FCRA amendments

Kohima, 1^st September 2026 (Nokinketer News): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday said the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, have generated widespread concern among various sections of society, particularly the Christian community in Nagaland, and urged the Centre to ensure that genuine charitable organisations are not adversely affected.

Replying to a discussion on a matter of urgent public importance under Rule 50 of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly during the ninth session of the 14th House, Rio said several church bodies and Christian organisations had approached him, including through a joint representation, expressing apprehension that the proposed legislation, in its present form, could affect the rights of minorities, charitable institutions and voluntary organisations engaged in humanitarian work.

The chief minister said he had held consultations with church leaders to understand their concerns and challenges. Referring to a meeting held on August 9 with representatives of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), the Catholic Church and other church leaders, Rio said they had highlighted the difficulties faced by churches and Christian organisations in carrying out humanitarian and social service activities.

Highlighting the historical role of churches in Nagaland, Rio said Christian organisations have made significant contributions in education, healthcare, social welfare, livelihood support and the welfare of disadvantaged communities. He noted that many educational, healthcare and community service initiatives in remote areas have been sustained through legitimate foreign partnerships and assistance.

“While increasingly stringent regulations and compliance requirements under the FCRA have already placed considerable financial and administrative burdens on charitable organisations, the proposed amendments are likely to further compound these challenges,” Rio said.

He expressed concern that the proposed changes could affect ongoing programmes in education, healthcare and social services, particularly those serving vulnerable and economically weaker sections.

Rio said the concerns were especially significant in Nagaland, where many charitable institutions function at the grassroots level with limited resources while serving remote and underserved communities.

Referring to delays and denials in the renewal of FCRA registrations, the chief minister cited the case of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa. He noted that the organisation’s FCRA renewal was denied in 2021 before being restored following public concern and review.

He said applications for FCRA registration and renewal should be examined objectively and on a case-by-case basis, particularly where organisations have complied with the law. Given Nagaland’s unique social and geographical conditions, he added, charitable and welfare activities should not be affected by broad or generalised assessments.

Rio also highlighted the role played by churches and Christian organisations in providing humanitarian assistance during natural disasters and emergencies, including relief efforts during the ongoing floods in the region and the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said longstanding partnerships between churches in Nagaland and their counterparts abroad have contributed significantly to philanthropic and charitable work benefiting weaker sections of society.

“The contribution of Christian missionaries and institutions to the development of Nagaland predates the formation of the state and continued through some of the most difficult and isolated periods in its history. Their services brought literacy, modern education and healthcare to generations of our people and contributed immensely to social progress and human development,” Rio said.

He added that Christian institutions have also played a vital role in India’s nation-building process, with beneficiaries of their educational, healthcare and social service initiatives going on to serve the country in public service, education, healthcare, science, business and sports.

At the same time, Rio acknowledged the Centre’s responsibility to ensure transparency, accountability and compliance in the regulation of foreign contributions.

“However, it is equally necessary to ensure that genuine charitable, educational, healthcare and social institutions, which have rendered exemplary service to the nation for generations, are not adversely affected or placed under undue uncertainty,” he said.

The chief minister informed the House that after meeting church leaders on August 9, he had written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, conveying concerns over the proposed amendments in the context of Nagaland’s unique social, historical and developmental circumstances. He urged the Centre to subject the proposed legislation to greater scrutiny and consider the concerns raised by Christian organisations across the country.

Welcoming the Centre’s decision to refer the Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), Rio said the move would allow a comprehensive examination of its provisions while providing stakeholders an opportunity to present their views.

“I am confident that the JPC process will help address genuine concerns, remove apprehensions and build greater public confidence in the proposed regulatory framework,” he said. Rio reiterated the state government’s commitment to continue engaging with all stakeholders and the Centre to ensure that the legitimate concerns of churches, Christian organisations and other charitable institutions are duly considered.

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