Kohima, September 1 (MExN): The Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Tuesday raised concerns over the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, particularly provisions relating to FCRA renewal and government powers over assets of organisations whose registration lapses or is cancelled.
The discussion was initiated by Advisor for SCERT & Food Processing, Achumbemo Kikon, under Rule 50 during the Ninth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Kikon said the proposed amendments could bring "stringent regulatory measures", cancellation of registrations and possible government control over assets created wholly or partly through foreign contributions.
He said churches and church-affiliated organisations have historically played a major role in education, healthcare, social welfare, poverty alleviation and community development in Nagaland. "Churches and church-affiliated organisations have historically contributed significantly to education, healthcare, social welfare, poverty alleviation and community development," Kikon said.
He referred to concerns raised by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), North East India Christian Council (NEICC) and other church bodies over FCRA renewal and the proposed powers of the designated authority. Kikon called for "natural justice, due process and adequate opportunity" for organisations and a "broad-based consultative process" involving State governments, churches, civil society and development agencies. He also urged constitutional scrutiny of the proposed legislation in view of Article 371A.
Advisor Kudecho Khamo said the Bill could place additional regulatory burdens on churches and smaller grassroots organisations involved in humanitarian, educational, healthcare and community-development activities. "It will further restrict the ability of churches and charitable institutions to receive and utilise legitimate foreign contributions," Khamo said.
He said the proposed changes could also affect long-standing international partnerships and programmes serving children, women, persons with disabilities, the elderly and economically weaker communities. Khamo's primary concern was the proposed power of a designated authority to "take over, manage, supervise or dispose" of foreign-funded assets if an organisation loses or fails to renew its FCRA registration.
"The proposed Bill does not provide a statutory appeal process if the Central government refuses renewal of an FCRA certificate," he said. He urged the government to protect institutions that have historically contributed to Nagaland's development.
"The Church has consistently invested in education, healthcare, peace building, relief works, youth and women empowerment, de-addiction ministries, and care for the poor and marginalised," Khamo said. He acknowledged the need for regulation, transparency and national security but said these should not undermine legitimate charitable work. "The legitimate contributions and interests of churches and charitable organisations must be protected," he said.
MLA and Advisor P Longon described the issue as extending beyond religion and as a constitutional concern. "This is not a Hindu-Christian issue, but this is an issue concerning all Nagas where it is being a Christian majority State," Longon said. "And that is why this August House must speak in one voice to the Joint Parliamentary Committee," he added.
Longon cited FCRA cancellation figures and said the number of active registrations had declined sharply. He also raised concerns over delays in renewal faced by small Baptist education societies in Nagaland. "In Nagaland, where 90% are Christian, many small Baptist education societies face 9 to 18 months renewal delay and deemed expiry," he said. "How do we defend what we cannot even count?" Longon asked, referring to the lack of detailed State-wise FCRA data.
He argued that the proposed asset-related powers went beyond reasonable regulation. "Now, the proposed FCRA 2026 adds one dangerous thing — Designated Authority to take over assets built over 150 years of Baptist Mission in Nagaland and over 500 years of Catholic work in India, the moment the licence lapses," he said. Longon said regulation was necessary but should not become punitive. "No doubt, regulation is required for proper utilisation of the foreign fund, but it should not become the means of fault finding and weapon of punishment," he said.
He called for wider stakeholder consultations and a review of the proposed asset-vesting provision. "2020 reforms were enough," Longon said, warning that the proposed changes could affect social services delivered by NGOs, churches and charitable institutions.
Advisor Temjenmenba also highlighted the historical role of churches in Nagaland. "Long before modern government institutions reached many remote areas, churches were already contributing to education, healthcare and social welfare across the State," he said.
MLA Y Mankhao Konyak questioned the proposed renewal mechanism, saying it could create scope for arbitrary decisions. "The Bill does not clearly provide a transparent and well-defined procedure for renewal of the FCRA certificate," he said. "There is no second chance for those failing to renew the certificate in time, which shows a lack of appeal," Konyak added.
