Despite Centre's clarifications, Congress seeks a church-led campaign against FCRA bill in Mizoram
The protest concluded with six resolutions, including an appeal to Chief Minister Lalduhoma to bring together church leaders and NGO representatives to form a united front against the proposed legislation.
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Days after the Central Government clarified that the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 does not target any religious community and does not alter the religious character of places of worship, the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has launched a campaign urging church leaders to unite against the legislation.
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On July 22, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) issued a detailed "Myth vs Fact" clarification stating that the proposed Designated Authority would manage only those assets created from foreign contributions after an organisation's FCRA registration lawfully ceases. The PIB also categorically stated that places of worship will retain their religious character in all circumstances and clarified that the authority's decisions remain subject to judicial review before the District Judge.
Following the meeting, CBCI officials said the Home Minister assured the delegation that the proposed legislation was not directed against Christian NGOs and acknowledged the Church's contribution to education and healthcare. The Rules require organisations receiving foreign contributions to clearly specify the nature of their activities under the permitted categories and the geographical areas in which they operate.
Despite these clarifications, the Congress has sought to build wider opposition to the Bill by bringing church leadership and NGOs into its campaign in Mizoram, where churches hold significant social influence. The FCRA Amendment Bill is expected to be taken up during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
At a protest held outside Vanapa Hall in Aizawl on July 21, Congress leaders alleged that the proposed amendments would adversely affect churches, NGOs and welfare institutions dependent on foreign contributions. Addressing the gathering, MPCC senior vice-president Lalnunmawia Chuaungo claimed the proposed law would make it difficult for organisations to retain FCRA registration and challenge government decisions. Congress leader Chella Kumar also criticised the proposed legislation and said the party would continue opposing the Bill.
The protest concluded with six resolutions, including an appeal to Chief Minister Lalduhoma to bring together church leaders and NGO representatives to form a united front against the proposed legislation. The Congress also urged the state's Members of Parliament to oppose the Bill and demanded a special Assembly session to pass a resolution against it. The Congress campaign comes even as the Centre has publicly clarified several concerns surrounding the proposed amendments.
ALSO READ: Centre clarifies FCRA bill: Religious character of Places of Worship will remain protected; assets can be managed only after due process
On July 22, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) issued a detailed "Myth vs Fact" clarification stating that the proposed Designated Authority would manage only those assets created from foreign contributions after an organisation's FCRA registration lawfully ceases. The PIB also categorically stated that places of worship will retain their religious character in all circumstances and clarified that the authority's decisions remain subject to judicial review before the District Judge.
The government further noted that cancellation or non-renewal of FCRA registration does not automatically imply wrongdoing, as many cases arise from administrative non-compliance such as failure to file annual returns or renew registration on time. Earlier this month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met a delegation of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), which had raised concerns over the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill and the recently notified FCRA Amendment Rules, 2026.
Following the meeting, CBCI officials said the Home Minister assured the delegation that the proposed legislation was not directed against Christian NGOs and acknowledged the Church's contribution to education and healthcare. The Rules require organisations receiving foreign contributions to clearly specify the nature of their activities under the permitted categories and the geographical areas in which they operate.
Despite these clarifications, the Congress has sought to build wider opposition to the Bill by bringing church leadership and NGOs into its campaign in Mizoram, where churches hold significant social influence. The FCRA Amendment Bill is expected to be taken up during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.