NBCC urges Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to seek withdrawal of the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, citing risks to churches' humanitarian work.
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has mounted a strong opposition to the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, urging Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to intervene with the Centre for its withdrawal—warning that the legislation could severely impact churches, Christian institutions and charitable organisations that have long played a central role in the state's social development.
In a detailed memorandum submitted to the chief minister, the NBCC appealed to the state government to take a firm stand against the proposed amendments, arguing that while financial transparency and national security are legitimate concerns, the Bill goes beyond reasonable regulation and risks placing “excessive restriction” on genuine faith-based organisations.
The council—representing 21 Baptist associations, four associate members, 1,626 congregations and over 7.48 lakh baptised members—reminded that churches in Nagaland have, for more than a century, complemented government efforts through education, healthcare, peacebuilding, disaster relief, youth and women's empowerment, de-addiction programmes and services for marginalised communities.
It maintained that foreign contributions received through lawful channels have enabled these ministries to function, particularly in remote and economically disadvantaged areas, and are subject to statutory regulation and financial scrutiny.
According to the NBCC, the proposed amendments could further restrict the ability of churches and charitable institutions to receive legitimate foreign contributions, impose additional compliance burdens on smaller churches and grassroots ministries, disrupt long-standing partnerships with global Christian organisations, and adversely affect programmes benefiting children, women, persons with disabilities, the elderly and economically weaker sections.
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The council also expressed concern over provisions that could allow the takeover of institutional assets if an organisation's FCRA registration is cancelled through executive action and handed over to a designated authority.
Citing the recent resolution adopted by the Kerala Legislative Assembly urging the Union government to repeal the proposed amendments, the NBCC called on the Nagaland government and the state Assembly to adopt a similar resolution.
The memorandum argued that churches are not merely religious institutions but foundational social institutions that have shaped Nagaland's educational, cultural and humanitarian landscape.
The council further contended that the proposed amendments warrant constitutional scrutiny in light of Article 25, Article 26, Articles 29 and 30, as well as Article 371A, urging the state government to examine whether the legislation would have the practical effect of interfering with Naga religious and social institutions. If necessary, it suggested, the state should press the Centre to reconsider the amendments or seek judicial clarification.
The NBCC appealed to Rio to raise the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seek withdrawal of the proposed Bill, advocate a broad consultative process involving states, churches and civil society before any amendments are enacted, and support a regulatory framework that ensures accountability without curtailing the humanitarian work of genuine charitable organisations.