Guwahati: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has called on the Centre to reconsider the proposed FCRA changes, saying they could make it harder for churches and Christian charitable organisations to continue their work in education, healthcare and social welfare.
Rio made the request in a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday. He proposed that the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, be sent to a parliamentary committee so that its provisions can be examined in detail and concerned groups can give their views.
He said wider discussions could help resolve genuine issues, reduce uncertainty and improve public confidence while maintaining transparency, accountability and national interest.
Rio also said referring the Bill to a committee would reflect what he described as an “inclusive and positive approach” by the NDA government. He said it would also reaffirm India’s constitutional values, secular character and respect for the rights and contributions of different communities.
The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25 and is expected to be discussed during the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament.
According to Rio, the proposed changes have caused concern among several sections of society, particularly the Christian community.
He said the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Bishop of Kohima had separately approached Shah with concerns about the difficulties faced by churches and related charitable organisations.
Rio said he met Christian leaders, including NBCC representatives and representatives of the Bishop of Kohima, on August 9 to discuss the issue. They spoke about the difficulties faced by churches and Christian organisations in continuing their activities and humanitarian services.
Christians account for more than 90 per cent of Nagaland’s population, Rio said. He added that churches have been closely associated with the state’s spiritual and community life and have contributed to education, healthcare, poverty reduction, social welfare and livelihood support.
He said foreign contributions received through legitimate channels, along with partnerships and other assistance, have helped fund educational, healthcare, humanitarian and social programmes in remote and economically weaker areas.
Rio said stricter FCRA rules and compliance procedures have already created substantial financial and administrative difficulties for churches and charitable organisations.
He warned that the proposed provisions could add to those difficulties and affect welfare, education, healthcare and social-service programmes if they come into force in their current form.
Smaller grassroots organisations with limited resources could face particular difficulties, he said, despite their role in serving communities in remote and underserved areas.
Rio also referred to reports that the FCRA renewal requests of some Christian organisations had been rejected over allegations involving the use of foreign funds for religious conversion.
He said such cases should be considered separately, based on the actual work and objectives of each organisation and taking into account Nagaland’s demographic situation.
The chief minister asked the Centre to reconsider cases in which renewal applications had been rejected. He also urged that legitimate charitable, educational, healthcare and social-welfare activities should not be affected because of generalised assumptions.
Rio pointed to the role of churches and Christian organisations in providing assistance during disasters and emergencies.
He cited their work during floods and landslides in Nagaland and their response during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, churches and Christian institutions provided resources, facilities and volunteers to help communities and government agencies.
He also referred to the history of Christianity and the Church in Nagaland, which spans more than 150 years, and their long-standing connections with the wider Christian community.
Rio mentioned the historical ties between the Baptist movement in Nagaland and Baptist communities in the United States. He also referred to the long-standing connections maintained by the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations with churches, missions and organisations in India and other countries.
Christian missions and institutions have been involved in Nagaland’s development for more than a century, Rio said. Their work also dates back to the period before Nagaland became a state, when modern infrastructure and institutions were limited.
Rio said churches had played a role in bringing essential services to people living in remote parts of Nagaland, while also helping improve literacy and living conditions.
He said their institutions have also contributed to the state’s development through education, healthcare and community welfare programmes that are open to everyone.