Nagaland CM tells Amit Shah proposed changes could affect church-run welfare and humanitarian services
New Delhi, August 11: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged the Centre to reconsider the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), warning that the changes could affect Christian organisations and grassroots welfare programmes in the state.
In a three-page letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, dated August 9, Rio said he had discussed the proposed legislation with Christian leaders, including representatives of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council and the Bishop of Kohima. According to Rio, they expressed concerns over the difficulties faced by churches and Christian organisations involved in education, healthcare, social welfare and humanitarian work.
He cautioned that the proposed amendments, in their current form, could place additional pressure on smaller organisations working in remote and economically disadvantaged communities.
Rio also urged the Centre to refer the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for detailed examination. The demand echoes a similar request made by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has also raised concerns after meeting Shah with church representatives.
The issue assumes significance in the three northeastern states, where Christian communities constitute a substantial majority of the population.
Meanwhile, the Centre has said it is consulting stakeholders to build consensus. A senior minister reiterated that the proposed provisions would not be applied retrospectively and said the government had assured that the legislation would not target any particular faith or community.
The government has yet to clarify whether the bill will be taken up for debate during the ongoing parliamentary session.
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