Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio urges Amit Shah to refer proposed FCRA amendments to JPC, citing concerns of Christian organisations
DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to refer the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
In a letter to Shah, Rio stated that he had held consultations with Christian leaders in Nagaland and heard first-hand the difficulties and apprehensions being faced by churches and Christian organisations over the proposed amendments.
He reminded that the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Bishop of Kohima had also made representations to the Union home minister, highlighting concerns over the impact of the proposed changes on churches and associated charitable organisations in the state.
Rio said the concerns needed to be considered with “due sensitivity and understanding”, particularly in view of Nagaland’s distinctive social, historical and developmental circumstances.
The chief minister pointed out that more than 90% of Nagaland’s population is Christian and that churches have historically played a significant role not only in the spiritual and community life of the people but also in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, social welfare, livelihood support and assistance to vulnerable sections.
He stated that a significant number of educational, healthcare, humanitarian and social-service activities undertaken by churches and charitable institutions, particularly in remote and economically weaker areas, had been supported through legitimate foreign contributions, partnerships and assistance.
According to Rio, increasingly stringent regulatory and compliance requirements under the FCRA had already placed considerable financial and administrative burdens on churches and charitable organisations.
He warned that the proposed amendments, if implemented in their present form, could further compound these challenges and adversely affect ongoing welfare, educational, healthcare and social-service programmes.
The chief minister added that smaller grassroots institutions could be particularly vulnerable because many operate with limited resources while serving remote and underserved communities.
Review of FCRA renewal rejections
Rio also raised concerns over organisations whose applications for renewal of FCRA registration had reportedly been declined on grounds relating to alleged utilisation of foreign contributions for religious conversion.
He urged that such cases be reviewed individually, with due consideration given to the actual nature and purpose of the activities undertaken by the organisations.
Rio stressed that organisations that have otherwise complied with applicable laws and regulatory requirements should not face adverse consequences without careful examination of their activities.
The chief minister highlighted the contribution of churches and Christian organisations during natural calamities and emergencies, including the ongoing floods and landslides affecting parts of Nagaland and the wider region.
He said churches and Christian institutions were currently extending substantial relief and assistance to affected citizens.
Rio also recalled their contribution during the Covid-19 pandemic, when churches and Christian institutions mobilised their resources, infrastructure and volunteers in support of communities and government efforts.
He said the Church in Nagaland had a history extending more than 150 years and that Christian missions and organisations had contributed significantly to the state’s development, including during the period before statehood when modern institutions and public infrastructure were limited.
According to Rio, these institutions helped bring literacy, modern education, healthcare and humanitarian assistance to generations of Nagaland’s people.
He added that Christian institutions across India had similarly contributed to nation-building through schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, healthcare facilities, charitable institutions and social-service organisations serving people across communities.
Rio acknowledged the responsibility of the government of India to ensure transparency, accountability and compliance with the law governing foreign contributions.
He said the regulatory framework must prevent misuse of foreign contributions and safeguard national interests.
At the same time, he stressed that genuine charitable, educational, healthcare and humanitarian institutions that had rendered service for generations should not be inadvertently affected or placed under uncertainty.
Seeks JPC scrutiny
Against this backdrop, Rio requested the Centre to subject the proposed amendments to greater parliamentary scrutiny and wider stakeholder consultation.
He suggested that the legislation be referred to a JPC, where its provisions could be examined comprehensively and representatives of concerned organisations and communities could be heard.
According to Rio, such a process would provide an opportunity to address genuine concerns, remove apprehensions and build greater public confidence in the proposed regulatory framework.
He stated that it would also allow the government to take all sections of society into confidence while ensuring that the objectives of transparency, accountability and national interest were protected.
Rio expressed confidence that such an approach would reflect an inclusive approach to law-making and strengthen India’s democratic foundations.
He also said wider consultation would reaffirm the country’s constitutional values and its tradition of respecting and protecting the rights and contributions of all communities.