GUWAHATI: The Assam Christian Forum has urged the central government to reconsider provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, warning that the proposed legislation could severely affect decades of welfare work carried out by NGOs and Christian institutions across the Northeast.
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Allen Brooks, spokesperson for the Assam Christian Forum, said NGOs in India, particularly in Assam and the wider Northeast, have long worked alongside the government in providing education, healthcare and social services through institutions operating under FCRA registration.
Brooks said the proposed amendment could amount to a “death knell” for such work, highlighting the Christian community’s role in running schools, hospitals and relief and rehabilitation programmes across the Northeast in partnership with the central and state governments.
He expressed particular concern over provisions that would allow the government to take over an organisation’s assets if its FCRA licence is withdrawn or not renewed.
Brooks appealed to the government to find a way for NGOs and the state to “complement each other” and work together, cautioning that punitive measures could affect not only the organisations but also vulnerable communities that depend on their services.
His remarks come amid opposition to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, and is listed for consideration and passage during the ongoing Monsoon Session.
The Bill has faced opposition from Christian churches and missionary organisations, while Amnesty International and three UN Special Rapporteurs have also raised concerns over its provisions. Critics have argued that the proposed changes could give the state sweeping powers over civil society assets without adequate judicial oversight and could disproportionately affect minority religious institutions. The government has maintained that the amendments are aimed at improving transparency, accountability and oversight of foreign funding.
Earlier this month, the Assam Christian Forum had urged the government to refer the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee to allow stakeholders to examine its provisions and suggest changes. Brooks said no concrete assurance had been given so far, although a government representative had indicated that the concerns raised would be examined before the legislation was introduced in Parliament.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju has previously responded to similar concerns raised by Christian groups, saying misunderstandings regarding the Bill would be addressed. He said organisations working for the welfare of the country would not be disturbed, while violations would invite strict action, and added that concerns raised by Christian missionaries would be taken into account.