KOHIMA : The Congress in Nagaland criticised the BJP-led central government over the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, alleging that the regulatory framework must not be used as a “political or ideological” weapon against Christian institutions, churches, NGOs and civil society organisations.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee said Christian organisations in the state and across the country have for decades provided essential services through schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres and humanitarian programmes for poor, sick and marginalised communities.

The Congress said it supports transparency and accountability in the functioning of organisations receiving foreign contributions, but argued that “selective scrutiny, arbitrary restrictions and administrative harassment” cannot be presented as regulation.

The NPCC said that if the BJP-led government believes in transparency, the same standards must apply to everyone and alleged that selective action against particular institutions would amount to discrimination.

“Do not turn FCRA into an ideological weapon. Do not treat Christian institutions as suspects merely because of their faith,” the NPCC said, while adding that political power should not be confused with constitutional authority.

In June this year, the government notified amended FCRA rules for receiving foreign funds, requiring non-governmental organisations to choose from a predefined list of purposes and areas of operation.

While allowing a range of faith-based activities, the rules explicitly excluded proselytisation from several categories eligible for registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25 this year and is likely to be taken up for discussion during the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament. (Source: PTI)