The proposed foreign funding law changes could affect churches, schools, hospitals and charities, the groups warn
NEW DELHI — A proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) has triggered concern among several international Christian organisations, with some groups claiming that the changes could make it harder for Christian institutions and other non-government organisations (NGOs) to operate in the country.
The proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, which seeks changes in the law governing foreign funding received by NGOs and charitable organisations, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 25 March. However, after opposition from political parties and civil society groups, the bill was not taken forward at that time. Reports suggest that the government is now preparing to bring it again before Parliament.
Christian organisations across the world have raised objections to the proposed changes, arguing that the new provisions could give the government greater powers over organisations receiving foreign contributions. They have expressed concern that institutions such as churches, hospitals, schools and charitable organisations that depend on foreign donations could face difficulties in continuing their work.
These groups argue that tighter regulations could affect the ability of Christian organisations to provide social services, including healthcare, education and humanitarian assistance.
However, the Indian government has defended the proposed amendments, saying that the purpose of the changes is to monitor foreign funding, improve transparency and prevent misuse of money received from abroad.
The government has maintained that foreign contributions must be regulated to ensure that funds are used only for legal and declared purposes. Officials have argued that the FCRA framework is necessary to maintain accountability among organisations receiving foreign donations.
The debate comes at a time when scrutiny of foreign-funded organisations in India has increased. Several NGOs have faced action related to their FCRA registrations in recent years, including suspension or cancellation of permissions to receive foreign contributions.
The Washington DC-based organisation International Christian Concern (ICC) has strongly criticised the proposed changes. The organisation has alleged that India’s FCRA system has increasingly been used to restrict the activities of Christian groups.
ICC claimed that under the proposed system, organisations could face a greater risk of losing their FCRA registration, which could affect their ability to receive foreign funding and continue their charitable activities.
“Christian organisations providing humanitarian services are facing increasing pressure because of restrictions linked to foreign funding,” ICC said in its comments on the issue.
The organisation also alleged that some Indian authorities have accused foreign-funded Christian groups of using charitable activities as a cover for forced religious conversions. ICC claimed that such allegations are being used against Christian institutions involved in education, healthcare and social work.
The Indian government and supporters of stricter FCRA rules have previously argued that regulations are necessary to prevent illegal activities and misuse of foreign funds. They have rejected claims that the law targets any particular religious community.
The controversy has also drawn international attention because of concerns raised by some religious freedom organisations. ICC referred to recommendations made by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which has repeatedly expressed concerns about religious freedom in India.
USCIRF has recommended placing India among countries requiring special attention regarding religious freedom. Indian authorities, however, have criticised such reports in the past, questioning their assessment and describing them as unfair interference in India’s internal matters.
In its recent comments, ICC compared the situation of Christian groups in India with restrictions that Muslim communities have faced in the past. The organisation alleged that Christian institutions are now experiencing similar patterns of pressure through regulatory measures.
The comparison has added further debate over minority rights and government regulation of religious organisations in India.
Critics of the FCRA amendments argue that stronger government control could affect civil society groups, particularly those working in areas such as education, healthcare and poverty relief. They say NGOs require freedom to operate without unnecessary restrictions.
Supporters of the amendments, however, argue that foreign funding cannot remain outside government oversight and that every organisation receiving money from abroad must follow financial rules.
A policy expert said, “The main question is how to balance transparency in foreign funding with the freedom of legitimate organisations to carry out social work. Regulations are necessary, but they must be implemented fairly.”
The proposed FCRA changes have therefore become part of a wider debate in India over foreign funding, NGO operations and the role of religious organisations in public service.
While Christian groups fear that the amendments could create new challenges for their institutions, the government says the move is aimed only at preventing financial irregularities and ensuring that foreign contributions are properly monitored.
The final impact of the proposed amendments will depend on the exact provisions of the bill and how they are implemented if passed by Parliament.
