Nagaland CM Seeks Review of FCRA Bill
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), warning that stricter provisions could affect churches and Christian charitable organisations involved in education, healthcare and social welfare programmes.
Neiphiu Rio Seeks FCRA Review
Rio has requested greater parliamentary scrutiny of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and suggested referring it to a parliamentary committee for detailed examination.
He said concerned stakeholders should be allowed to present their views before the proposed changes are finalised. According to the Chief Minister, wider consultation could address genuine concerns while maintaining transparency, accountability and national interest.
Rio also highlighted representations made by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council and the Bishop of Kohima regarding the proposed legislation.
Nagaland Churches Raise FCRA Concerns
Rio said churches and Christian organisations have historically played an important role in Nagaland’s education, healthcare, poverty alleviation and humanitarian services, particularly in remote areas.
He argued that existing FCRA compliance requirements have already created administrative and financial burdens for some organisations and warned that additional restrictions could particularly affect smaller grassroots institutions.
The Chief Minister also sought individual reviews of cases where FCRA renewals were reportedly rejected over allegations involving religious conversion.
FCRA Amendment Bill Faces Scrutiny
The proposed FCRA amendments have generated concerns among religious and civil society organisations over their potential impact on access to foreign contributions.
Rio maintained that legitimate charitable, educational and healthcare activities should not be affected by broad assumptions about organisations receiving overseas funding.
He urged the Centre to consider Nagaland’s social and historical circumstances while examining the legislation and called for a consultative approach before further action on the Bill.
