DIMAPUR, AUG 11 (NPN): Global Naga Forum (GNF) has opposed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging that its provisions could undermine constitutional freedoms, threaten charitable organisations and disproportionately affect religious minority institutions.
Through its media cell, Global Naga Forum said the proposed legislation went beyond ensuring transparency and preventing misuse of foreign contributions by granting sweeping powers to the government that could disrupt decades of social and charitable work by NGOs, particularly faith-based minority organisations.
The forum expressed particular concern over the proposed Designated Authority, which would be empowered to take control of physical and digital assets created through foreign contributions following cancellation, surrender, expiry or non-renewal of an organisation’s registration.
GNF described this as expropriation of institutional assets without adequate due-process safeguards.
It also raised concerns over broad discretionary powers under the Bill and accompanying rules, including restrictions on geographical operations, purpose-specific registrations, cancellation linked to foreign contribution thresholds and separate registrations for organisations operating across multiple states.
GNF further objected to proposed disclosure requirements relating to social media accounts and publications, claiming that expressions deemed political could attract severe penalties.
The forum expressed particular concern over the inclusion of the term “proselytization”, which it said was undefined and could lead to selective interpretation and harassment of Christian organisations.
While acknowledging the government’s responsibility to prevent misuse of foreign funds, GNF said the existing FCRA framework already provided for investigation, audits and prosecution. It argued that the proposed amendments could instead create uncertainty, with organisations facing the risk of sudden cancellation and asset seizure.
Citing Articles 19, 21, 25 and 30 of the Constitution, GNF said the proposed provisions could affect freedom of association and expression, the right to livelihood, religious freedom and the rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
GNF said dialogue and consultation should precede legislation affecting civil society and NGOs, arguing that the Bill was inconsistent with the constitutional vision of a plural and welfare-oriented India. It alleged that the legislation could restrict the participation of Christian organisations in charitable and humanitarian work and contribute to the marginalisation of religious minorities.
The forum urged Parliament to reject the Bill in its present form and uphold constitutional freedoms, institutional autonomy and democratic space for religious minorities and civil society.
Given the far-reaching implications of the proposed amendments, GNF also urged Parliament to refer the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for comprehensive examination and consultation with concerned stakeholders before further legislative action.
Thursday, August 13, 2026