Nagaland leaders urge Centre to defer FCRA amendments, citing concerns for church-linked welfare work

Nagaland’s political leadership has urged the Centre to defer the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and hold wider consultations with stakeholders. The request is aimed at ensuring that any new rules do not disrupt the work of faith-based institutions that run services in areas such as education, healthcare, charity and welfare across the state.

NPF endorses Rio’s letter to the Union Home Minister

Chief Minister and Naga People’s Front (NPF) president Neiphiu Rio, Congress Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir and the NPF have asked the Union Home Minister to consider deferring or reviewing the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill. The NPF said it has endorsed Rio’s letter to the Home Minister. Jamir, in a separate appeal, also asked that the bill be held back until broader consultations are conducted.

The NPF said church bodies and Christian organisations in Nagaland have worked for a long time alongside the government, including during major public health and calamity situations. It also pointed to roles in literacy, women’s empowerment, skill development, rural development and peace-building, especially in remote and border areas where government reach is limited. The party added that stakeholders and faith-based organisations should be given a direct chance to present their views.

Concerns over “Designated Authority” and cancellation of registrations

Both the NPF and Jamir raised concerns about how the proposed changes could affect legitimate organisations. Jamir said regulation is needed to safeguard national security, sovereignty and public order, but he argued that the law must also protect welfare and development work carried out by established institutions. He cited figures that, according to PRS Legislative Research, show active, cancelled and expired FCRA certificates. He also said that in Nagaland, a large share of registrations has been cancelled, based on the figures he referenced.

Jamir also questioned a proposal in the 2026 Bill that would create a “Designated Authority.” He highlighted that the framework could cover how foreign contributions and assets of organisations are handled if their FCRA certificates cease through cancellation, surrender or non-renewal. The NPF further asked that the bill be referred to a parliamentary committee to support consultations and a more transparent process.