Nagaland CM Rio voices concern over proposed FCRA amendments

Urges Centre to protect charitable institutions from stringent FCRA norms

Kohima, September 1 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday voiced apprehensions over the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), cautioning that they could severely impact charitable work, minority rights, and the historic role of church-run institutions in the State’s development.

Raising the matter as one of urgent public importance under Rule 50 of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Dr Rio said the proposed changes had generated “widespread concern” among various sections, especially the Christian community, which forms over 87% of the State’s population, a DIPR report stated. 

“Several bodies representing the Christian community and church organisations approached me, including through a joint representation, expressing apprehension that the proposed legislation in its present form could adversely affect the rights of minorities, charitable institutions and the longstanding tradition of voluntary and humanitarian services,” Dr Rio told the 9th session of 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on September 1.

The CM disclosed that he had held multiple consultations with church leaders, including a key meeting on August 9 with representatives of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Catholic Church, and other denominations, where challenges in running humanitarian and social services were highlighted.

Historic contribution acknowledged
Dr Rio underlined the “historic contribution” of churches and Christian organisations to Nagaland, particularly in education, healthcare, social welfare, livelihood support, and assistance to disadvantaged groups.

“Educational, healthcare, community and social-service activities undertaken by churches and charitable institutions, especially in remote and difficult areas, have been substantially supported through legitimate foreign partnerships and assistance,” he said.

However, he noted that “increasingly stringent regulations and compliance requirements under the FCRA have already placed significant financial and administrative burdens on charitable organisations,” and the proposed amendments were likely to “further compound these challenges.”

He expressed particular worry over ongoing programmes in education, healthcare, and social services, especially those benefiting vulnerable and economically backward communities.

Referring to cases where FCRA renewal applications were reportedly denied or delayed, he cited the example of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa.

“The organisation, which operates in numerous countries including India, had its FCRA registration renewal denied in 2021 but was subsequently renewed following public concern and review,” he said.

He stressed that registration and renewal cases “should be examined objectively and on an individual basis, particularly where organisations have remained compliant with applicable laws.”

Unique context of Nagaland
Given Nagaland’s “distinctive social and geographical context,” Dr Rio argued that charitable and social welfare activities “should not be adversely affected by broad or generalised assessments.”

He also highlighted the role of churches in providing relief during natural calamities, citing their substantial assistance to flood-affected people in the region and their contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The contribution of Christian missionaries and institutions to the development of Nagaland predates the State’s formation and has continued through some of the most difficult and isolated periods in its history,” he said.

“Their services helped bring literacy, modern education and healthcare to generations of our people and contributed significantly towards social progress and human development,” Rio added, asserting that the same held true for the rest of the country.

The CM asserted that the contribution of Christian institutions to India’s nation-building process was “undeniable,” pointing out that many beneficiaries of their educational, healthcare, and social services had gone on to serve the nation in public service, science, business, sports, and other fields.

At the same time, he acknowledged the Centre’s responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability under the FCRA. “However, it is equally necessary to ensure that genuine charitable, educational, healthcare, community and social institutions which have rendered exemplary service to the nation for generations are not adversely affected or placed under undue uncertainty,” he said.

Letter to Union Home Minister
Dr Rio informed the House that following his August 9 meeting with church leaders, he had written to the Union Home Minister conveying the concerns in the context of Nagaland’s unique social, historical, and developmental circumstances. He urged the Centre to subject the proposed amendments to “greater scrutiny” and consider the views of Christian organisations across the country.

He welcomed the decision to refer the Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), saying it would allow “comprehensive examination” and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to be heard. “I am confident that the JPC will provide an opportunity to address genuine concerns, remove apprehensions and build greater public confidence in the proposed regulatory framework,” he said.

Dr Rio reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to continue engaging with all stakeholders and the Centre to ensure that the legitimate concerns of churches, Christian organisations, and other institutions are “duly considered.”