FCRA Bill is ‘religion neutral’, Shah assures Christian bodies

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with a Christian delegation on August 6, 2026, to assure them that the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 (FCRA) is "religion-neutral." The delegation, which included representatives from all major Christian denominations and communities, expressed concerns over the proposed legislation.

Shah assured the delegation that the government has no intention to harass any faith or community. The Ministry also said that the Bill would not be applied retroactively. Furthermore, Shah informed the delegation that the FCRA Bill would be discussed in Parliament on August 12. One of the key provisions of the Bill is the appointment of a 'designated authority' to manage the assets of NGOs whose registration is suspended, cancelled, or not renewed.

This authority will have powers similar to those of a civil court and can order the transfer or sale of assets to the government or other bodies. The delegation raised concerns over the lack of judicial oversight and the potential impact on religious institutions and communities. The Home Minister requested a list of cases where NGO registrations had been cancelled without notice and sought clarity on the powers of the designated authority.

The delegation also expressed fears that the Bill could lead to the taking over of properties and institutions, including places of worship, and the termination of services to the communities they serve. Government sources stated that no further changes to the Bill were being considered, and that the specifics of the designated authority's role would be clarified in the Rules.