Nagaland Baptist churches urge CM to intervene on FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026

To 
The Chief Minister 
Government of Nagaland Kohima, Nagaland

Subject: Earnest appeal for intervention to seek the withdrawal of the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.

Chief Minister, 

We bring Christian greeting in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We write to you on behalf of the 21 Baptist Associations, 4 Associate members, with 1,626 congregations and 7,48,532 baptized members across the state of Nagaland, with profound concern over the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. We respectfully urge your immediate intervention with the Government of India to seek the withdrawal of the proposed Bill, which, if enacted in its present form, would have serious and far-reaching consequences for churches, Christian institutions, charitable organizations, and the larger civil society engaged in humanitarian and developmental service. 

The Church in Nagaland has, for well over a century, stood as a faithful partner in the holistic development of our people. The Church has consistently invested in education, healthcare, peacebuilding, disaster relief, youth empowerment, women’s development, de-addiction ministries, and care for the poor and marginalized-not for profit, but as an expression of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Foreign contributions received through lawful and transparent means have enabled Christian organizations to sustain these ministries, particularly in remote and economically disadvantaged regions where resources are scarce. These contributions are not instruments of political influence but expressions of Christian fellowship, compassion, and partnership in serving humanity. Every legitimate contribution received under the existing legal framework has been subject to statutory regulation, financial scrutiny, and public accountability. 

We fully acknowledge the sovereign authority of the Government of India to regulate foreign contributions in the interests of national security, transparency, and financial accountability. As law-abiding citizens, we affirm that organizations receiving foreign contributions must comply with legal requirements and maintain the highest standards of integrity. 

However, the proposed Amendment Bill appears to move beyond reasonable regulation and toward excessive restriction. Such measures risk placing disproportionate burdens on genuine charitable and faith-based organizations whose primary mission is public service. The proposed amendments threaten to curtail the ability of churches and Christian institutions to continue ministries that have significantly complemented the developmental efforts of both the State and Central Governments. 

Our concerns are particularly serious because the proposed Bill may: 

Further restrict the ability of churches and charitable institutions to receive and utilize legitimate foreign contributions for humanitarian, educational, healthcare, and community development initiatives. 

Impose additional regulatory burdens that disproportionately affect smaller churches and grassroots ministries with limited administrative capacity. 

Disrupt long-standing partnerships between Indian churches and their global Christian counterparts, partnerships rooted in mutual faith, service, and humanitarian concern rather than political objectives. 

Undermine numerous programs serving children, youth, women, persons with disabilities, the elderly, economically weaker communities, and those living in remote villages. 

Discourage philanthropic support that has historically strengthened India's social development without imposing any burden on the public exchequer. 

Create the possibility of takeover and confiscation of institutions/organization assets if their FCRA’s are cancelled through executive action and be handed over to Designated Authority. 

While taking cognizance of the precedence in the Kerala Legislative Assembly where they have passed a resolution urging the Union government to repeal the FCRA bill 2026. We therefore, urge the Nagaland government to take a bold stand and do the same. 

For Nagaland, these implications are especially significant. Churches are not merely religious institutions; they are foundational social institutions that have shaped the educational, moral, cultural, and humanitarian landscape of our State. The contribution of the Church to literacy, health, reconciliation, community welfare, and social transformation is inseparable from the history and identity of Nagaland itself. 

The Constitution of India guarantees the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion under Article 25, grants every religious denomination the right to manage its own religious affairs under Article 26, protects the freedom to form associations under Article 19(1)(c), and safeguards the rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions under Articles 29 and 30. While these constitutional rights are subject to reasonable regulation, such regulation must remain proportionate, fair, and consistent with the principles of justice, equality, and democratic participation.

Legislative measures that unnecessarily impede the charitable and humanitarian ministries of religious organizations risk diminishing the practical enjoyment of these constitutional freedoms. 

While not overstating the provision of Article 371(A), we urge the Nagaland Legislative Assembly that: 

The proposed amendments deserve careful constitutional scrutiny in light of Article 371A; 

The Government of Nagaland should examine whether the amendments have the practical effect of interfering with the protected religious and social institutions of the Nagas; and if they do, the State should urge the Union Government to reconsider or modify the proposals, or seek judicial clarification if necessary. 

At a time when India seeks to promote inclusive development and community participation, civil society and faith-based organizations should be viewed as partners in nation-building rather than institutions to be constrained through increasingly restrictive regulatory mechanisms. The Church has never sought privilege beyond the law; it seeks only the freedom to continue serving society with integrity, accountability, and compassion. 

In view of the foregoing, we humbly but earnestly request your esteemed office to: 

1. Take up this matter with the Prime Minister and the Union Minister of Home Affairs as a matter of urgent public importance. 

2. Strongly urge the Government of India to withdraw the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. 

3. Advocate for a broad-based consultative process involving State Governments, churches, faith-based organizations, civil society institutions, and development agencies before any amendments to the FCRA are introduced. 

4. Impress upon the Union Government the unique historical role of churches and Christian organizations in Nagaland and the indispensable contribution they continue to make toward education, healthcare, peacebuilding, humanitarian relief, and rural development. 

5. Support a regulatory framework that ensures transparency and accountability without unnecessarily restricting the constitutional freedoms and humanitarian ministries of genuine charitable organizations. 

Hon’ble Chief Minister, the people of Nagaland have always looked to your leadership in safeguarding the interests, identity, and welfare of our State. We therefore earnestly appeal to you to champion this cause before the Government of India so that institutions dedicated to serving humanity may continue their work unhindered. 

We remain committed to working alongside the Government in promoting peace, justice, social harmony, and the holistic development of our society. We trust that your good office will extend its fullest support in protecting the legitimate space within which churches and charitable organizations have faithfully served our people for generations. 

May Almighty God grant you wisdom, strength, and grace as you discharge the responsibilities entrusted to your leadership.

With highest regards, 
Yours faithfully,

On behalf of the NBCC 
Rev Achu Chang President NBCC
Rev Dr Mar Pongener, General Secretary, NBCC 
Dr Villo Naleo, Secretary, Social Concern, NBCC

Signatories