FCRA bill debate likely on Aug 12: Mizoram CM

Mizoram's Chief Minister Lalduhoma met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss concerns raised by church representatives regarding the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Lalduhoma assured that the legislation would not apply retrospectively to existing organizations. The bill is expected to be taken up for debate on August 12.

During the meeting, Lalduhoma and Shah addressed six issues raised by the church representatives. Lalduhoma stated that they would receive written responses from Shah regarding the remaining concerns, which were expected to provide a clearer picture of the bill's implications.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India had previously expressed concerns over provisions in the new foreign funding law, particularly those that could affect charitable institutions. They sought safeguards to protect legally acquired assets, ongoing charitable activities, and independent judicial oversight in FCRA-related cases.

Church representatives and NGOs were worried about the provision that allows the government to take control of permanent assets, such as schools, hospitals, and land purchased with foreign donations, if an organization's FCRA license lapsed. They argued that such assets were created for social work and should not be vulnerable to seizure if the organization's registration was not renewed.

The Mizoram delegation raised concerns about the term "proselytisation" in fiscal regulations, expressing a desire to omit it to avoid unintended misinterpretation and potential consequences for lawful welfare activities. They also requested explicit safeguards for voluntary religious activities, moral education, and humanitarian work, all of which are protected under the Indian Constitution.

The government had previously clarified that the Designated Authority would only manage assets created from foreign contributions once an organization's registration had lawfully ceased. Assets would be returned to the organization if its registration was renewed, and places of worship would retain their religious character by law.

The government's statement on July 22 reaffirmed that vesting, supervision, management, and disposal of foreign contribution and assets would be overseen by a designated authority. The bill also provided a framework for taking over, managing, or selling assets of NGOs whose FCRA licenses were cancelled, suspended, or not renewed.