NPF backs Rio’s appeal for wider consultation on FCRA

DIMAPUR, AUG 11 (NPN): The ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) has endorsed chief minister and party president Dr. Neiphiu Rio’s letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), urging the Centre to refer the Bill to a Parliamentary Committee for wider consultation.
NPF through its press bureau said the proposed changes could place undue pressure on churches, Christian charitable organisations and the educational, healthcare and welfare programmes they run across Nagaland.
The party said stakeholders and faith-based organisations should be given an opportunity to present their views on the proposed amendments. It said wider consultation would help address genuine concerns while ensuring transparency and accountability and reflecting the NDA government’s commitment to inclusive governance and India’s secular values.
NPF said churches and Christian organisations in Nagaland had for more than 150 years worked alongside the government in providing healthcare, education and relief during calamities and the COVID-19 pandemic, with much of the work sustained through foreign partnerships.
It also noted the contribution of Christian institutions across India through schools, colleges, hospitals and charitable organisations serving people irrespective of their religion.
In Nagaland, the party said such institutions had contributed to literacy, women’s empowerment, skill development, rural development and peace-building, particularly in remote and border areas where government reach was limited.
NPF said existing FCRA regulations had already created financial and administrative difficulties for organisations and expressed concern that the proposed amendments could further burden small grassroots groups. It also referred to reports of FCRA renewal applications being rejected over alleged misuse and said such cases should be examined objectively and on merit to ensure genuine welfare activities were not affected.
The party extended its support to representations made by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Bishop of Kohima to the Union home minister.
NPF appealed to the Centre to take into account Nagaland’s unique history, social structure and developmental needs while finalising the proposed FCRA rules.