Kohima: Nagaland’s political leadership has urged the Centre to defer the proposed FCRA amendments and hold wider consultations, citing concerns over their potential impact on churches, Christian organisations and institutions providing education, healthcare, charity and welfare services across the state.
Chief Minister and Naga People’s Front (NPF) president Neiphiu Rio, Congress Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir and the NPF have urged the Centre to defer or review the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), calling for wider consultations with stakeholders and political parties.
The NPF on Tuesday endorsed Rio’s letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the proposed FCRA amendments, while Jamir separately appealed to the Union Home Minister to defer the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 until comprehensive consultations are held.
Both the NPF and Jamir expressed concern over the possible impact of the proposed changes on churches, Christian organisations and institutions involved in education, healthcare, charitable and humanitarian activities.
The NPF urged the Centre to refer the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill to a Parliamentary Committee, saying stakeholders and faith-based organisations must be given an opportunity to present their views.
The party said such consultations would help address genuine concerns, ensure transparency and accountability, and reflect the NDA government’s commitment to inclusive governance and India’s secular values.
For more than 150 years, churches and Christian organisations in Nagaland have worked alongside the government in providing education, healthcare and relief during calamities, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the NPF said.
It added that these institutions have also contributed to literacy, women’s empowerment, skill development, rural development and peace-building, particularly in remote and border areas where government reach is limited.
Jamir, in his communication dated August 11, acknowledged the need to regulate foreign contributions to safeguard national security, sovereignty and public order. However, he said any new legislation must also protect legitimate institutions working for the welfare and development of citizens.
Citing figures in his appeal, Jamir said 22,498 FCRA registrations have been cancelled across India, while 15,212 registrations could not be renewed and have expired.
In Nagaland, he said, around 70% of the 262 FCRA registrations have been cancelled.
The latest figures cited from PRS Legislative Research, as of July 15, 2026, record 14,449 active FCRA certificates, 22,498 cancelled certificates and 15,212 certificates deemed expired.
Jamir also raised concern over the proposed creation of a “Designated Authority” under the 2026 Bill. The proposed framework provides for the vesting, supervision, management and disposal of foreign contributions and assets of organisations whose FCRA certificates cease to exist through cancellation, surrender or non-renewal.
He cautioned that such provisions could have serious consequences for institutions whose foreign-funded infrastructure supports education, healthcare, charitable and other public-service activities.
The MP also called for the provisions to be examined in light of constitutional protections, including Article 300A, which provides that no person shall be deprived of property except by authority of law.
The NPF, meanwhile, said existing FCRA rules have already created financial and administrative strain and warned that the proposed amendments could further burden small grassroots organisations.
The party also expressed concern over reports of FCRA renewals being rejected on grounds of alleged misuse, saying such cases must be examined objectively and on merit so that genuine welfare work is not affected.
The NPF extended its support to representations made by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council and the Bishop of Kohima to the Union Home Minister.
Jamir similarly stressed that organisations involved in education, healthcare, orphanage care, charity and humanitarian services perform important nation-building functions and should not be adversely affected by regulatory measures intended to prevent misuse of foreign contributions.
“The proposed FCRA Bill, 2026 should not be taken up until all stakeholders and political parties are given an opportunity for wide consultation in the greater interest of the country,” Jamir said.
The NPF also appealed to the Centre to take into account Nagaland’s unique history, social structure and developmental needs while finalising the FCRA rules.