The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) on Friday urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to withdraw the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and the recently notified rules, emphasizing the need for broader stakeholder consultation before any redrafting.
CBCI Submits Memorandum with Key Concerns
The CBCI submitted a memorandum to Shah, highlighting concerns over the proposed FCRA Bill, religious freedom, the rights of Scheduled Caste (SC) Christians, and the humanitarian crisis in Manipur. The document, signed by CBCI president Cardinal Anthony Poola and secretary general Archbishop Anil Couto, was handed over during a meeting with the home minister.
The CBCI expressed alarm that certain provisions in the proposed amendments could adversely affect charitable institutions that have served poor and vulnerable communities for decades. The conference urged the government to withdraw both the Amendment Bill and the recently notified Rules, requesting a redraft after wider consultation with stakeholders, according to a CBCI statement.
Demands for Safeguards and Judicial Oversight
The CBCI called for any changes to the law to apply only prospectively, ensuring existing rights, legally acquired assets, and ongoing charitable work remain unaffected. It also demanded independent judicial oversight in FCRA cases and safeguards before the government can take over or transfer an institution's assets.
The memorandum stressed that a clear distinction should be made between minor procedural lapses and serious offences, and that charitable assets must continue to be used as per donor intentions. Additionally, it raised concerns over various state freedom of religion Acts and the continued denial of SC status to Christians and other religious minorities of SC origin under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.
Appeal on Manipur Crisis and Constitutional Rights
Noting that these matters are pending before the Supreme Court, the CBCI appealed for an early hearing and final judgment, stating that the delay affects the dignity, equality, and constitutional rights of millions of citizens. The CBCI also highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Manipur, where thousands of farming families have lost livelihoods, students face disrupted education, and many families have left the state for safety, education, and employment.
The conference appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs to take urgent steps to restore lasting peace, communal harmony, and normalcy in Manipur, reaffirming the Church's willingness to work with the government in reconciliation and humanitarian assistance.
Shah's Assurance to Delegation
According to sources, the home minister told the delegation that the proposed FCRA amendments should not be viewed as targeting the Christian community. Shah reportedly noted that donations received by Christian organizations under the FCRA constitute only a fraction of total contributions and urged the delegation not to perceive the law as anti-Christian. He also clarified that the amendments would not have retrospective effect.
When the delegation raised incidents of attacks on Christians, Shah advised them to file FIRs and approach local police, assuring support. If unsatisfied, they could approach him directly for appropriate action, sources added.
Political Reactions
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal criticized the BJP over the issue, accusing Amit Shah of misleading the CBCI. Venugopal alleged that the Modi government has been using FCRA to harass civil society organizations and minority-run institutions, taking over their properties. He claimed that the 2020 FCRA rule changes tightened controls, and the 2026 amendments sought to introduce property seizure powers and 'deemed cessation' of licenses, which were withdrawn only to be reintroduced as delegated legislation.
Venugopal challenged the home minister to show if any such measures were part of the FCRA in 2010 when the UPA brought it in, calling the current approach fascist and regressive. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the rules.
