Hyderabad: Amid rising concern over proposed changes to foreign funding regulations, the All-India Christian Council has announced a national-level meeting on May 12 to deliberate on the implications of the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Act Amendment Bill 2026.
The move comes in the backdrop of significant disruptions already faced by non-governmental and faith-based organizations. According to Church leaders, more than 10,000 Christian organizations across India have lost their FCRA licenses since earlier amendments were introduced in 2011, severely impacting their operations and funding channels.
The newly proposed amendment has triggered fresh anxiety among civil society groups, as it is expected to grant sweeping powers to authorities overseeing FCRA compliance. Among the key concerns is a provision that could allow the government to assume control over assets created using a mix of foreign and domestic funds raising alarms about institutional autonomy and property rights.
The Bill, currently deferred in Parliament ahead of Assembly elections in several states including Kerala has drawn sharp criticism from Christian leaders and social organizations, who warn that it could have far-reaching consequences for minority institutions, NGOs, and foreign-supported welfare initiatives.
Joseph D'Souza, Archbishop of the Good Shepherd Church of India and national president of the council, said the uncertainty surrounding the proposed provisions could destabilize critical institutions such as schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations. He pointed out that many of these institutions have already taken financial risks, including mortgaging properties or leasing facilities, to sustain operations amid tightening funding restrictions.
“With foreign contributions declining in recent years, many organizations have worked towards self-reliance. However, the proposed law threatens to reverse that progress,” he noted in remarks to the media.
The archbishop further argued that certain aspects of the amendment may infringe upon constitutional protections, particularly those related to property ownership and minority rights. He highlighted that several NGO bank accounts have already been frozen due to non-renewal of licenses, leaving substantial funds inaccessible, and warned that the new provisions could potentially allow authorities to appropriate such resources.
Concerns have also been raised about possible international ramifications. Foreign donors who had funded charitable activities in India may explore legal options abroad, potentially complicating diplomatic relations.
In this context, Church leaders have called for alternative support mechanisms at the state level. Referring to past interventions, they cited the example of Naveen Patnaik in Odisha, where state authorities stepped in to support institutions when organizations linked to Mother Teresa briefly faced license issues.
The upcoming May 12 meeting, to be held at the Good Shepherd Centre near Suchitra Junction in Hyderabad, is expected to bring together Christian leaders and organizational representatives from across the country. Participants will discuss the implications of the proposed legislation and chart a collective response, including possible protest strategies.
In addition to the FCRA issue, the gathering will also examine recent developments such as the Supreme Court of India verdict concerning Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians, as well as policy measures like mandatory church registration initiatives in Andhra Pradesh.
Leaders indicated that efforts are underway to form a broader national alliance to respond collectively to the evolving legal and policy landscape affecting Christian institutions in India.