Global Naga Forum urges Parliament to withdraw FCRA Bill 2026, citing threats to NGOs, religious minorities and constitutional freedoms
DIMAPUR — The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has demanded withdrawal of the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging that its provisions could undermine the autonomy of NGOs and charitable institutions, particularly those run by religious minorities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the GNF also urged the Parliament to refer the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for comprehensive scrutiny and consultation with stakeholders.
Describing the proposed amendments as a threat to constitutional freedoms, religious liberty and the social and charitable work carried out by civil society organisations, the forum expressed particular concern over a provision proposing a designated authority with powers to take control of physical and other assets created from foreign contributions if an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, expires or is not renewed.
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It termed the proposed power “expropriation without the safeguards of due process”, arguing that it could place property rights at the discretion of administrative authorities and disproportionately affect faith-based charitable institutions.
The GNF also objected to what it called the “sweeping” discretionary powers proposed for officials, including restrictions on the geographical scope of organisations’ activities, purpose-specific registrations, disclosure of social media accounts and publications, and cancellation of registrations when foreign contributions fall below a prescribed threshold.
According to the forum, organisations operating across multiple states could face additional administrative and financial burdens if separate registrations are required for different areas of operation.
It further raised concern over the use of the term “proselytisation” in the proposed framework, claiming that its undefined nature could result in selective interpretation and harassment of Christian organisations.
While acknowledging the state’s responsibility to prevent misuse of foreign funds, the GNF argued that the existing FCRA already provides mechanisms for investigation, audit and prosecution.
It maintained that the proposed amendments go beyond those requirements and could create a climate of insecurity among NGOs and charitable institutions through the threat of cancellation and asset seizure.
The forum invoked Articles 19, 21, 25 and 30 of the Constitution, saying the proposed provisions could affect freedom of association and expression, the right to livelihood, freedom of religion and the rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
“The Global Naga Forum therefore urges Parliament to reject the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, in its present form,” the statement read, while calling for constitutional freedoms, institutional autonomy and democratic space for religious minorities and civil society to be protected.
The GNF alleged that the proposed legislation could restrict the participation of Christian organisations in charitable and humanitarian work and contribute to the marginalisation of the community.
It, therefore, called for the Bill to be referred to a JPC for detailed examination and consultation with stakeholders before any further legislative action.