Catholic bishops in India have expressed significant approval regarding the government’s decision to postpone proposed alterations to the nation’s foreign funding legislation. Instead of immediate implementation, the amendment bill will now be forwarded to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for a comprehensive review and broader consultation process. This move comes as a relief to numerous organizations, particularly faith-based groups, that rely on international support for their charitable endeavors.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, was initially slated for introduction during the ongoing monsoon parliamentary session, which is set to conclude on August 13. However, due to considerable opposition, Nityanand Rai, the federal minister of state for Home Affairs, put forth a resolution on August 12 to refer the bill to a JPC. This resolution subsequently received approval in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, on the same day.
Opponents of the bill had vociferously argued for its complete withdrawal, citing concerns that its provisions could severely impede the vital charitable work carried out by various civil society groups, including those managed by churches and other religious organizations. The resolution, passed amidst considerable parliamentary commotion, stipulates that the JPC will comprise 31 sitting parliamentarians: 21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha, which serves as the upper house of parliament. This committee is tasked with submitting its findings to the house by the first week of the upcoming winter parliamentary session later this year.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has lauded this development as a commendable democratic step, signaling the government’s dedication to a more inclusive legislative consultation process. In a statement released on August 12, the CBCI conveyed its anticipation of engaging constructively with both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Joint Parliamentary Committee through a spirit of dialogue and cooperation. The CBCI expressed hope that these consultations would culminate in a balanced statutory framework capable of safeguarding national security while simultaneously enabling civil society organizations to continue their invaluable service to the nation. Highlighting its long-standing commitment, the CBCI reiterated its role as a partner in serving the people of India through various initiatives, including education, healthcare, social development, and charitable programs, underscoring its desire to contribute positively to the nation’s progress.
The amendment bill, designed to enhance oversight of foreign-funded charitable activities and improve transparency and accountability, had previously received federal cabinet approval on March 18. Its introduction during parliament’s budget session earlier this year was deferred following strong objections from civil society groups, especially Christian organizations heavily reliant on foreign donations for their social service programs and humanitarian projects. Among the controversial proposals within the bill is a provision empowering the government to assume control of assets created with foreign contributions if an organization’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration is suspended, canceled, surrendered, or not renewed. Another contentious clause introduces the concept of “deemed cessation,” whereby an organization’s registration would automatically lapse upon its expiry or if renewal is refused. While the government maintains that new timelines for receiving and utilizing foreign contributions are intended to bolster transparency, accountability, and legal certainty, Christian leaders view these proposed changes against the backdrop of a decade-long intensification of scrutiny on organizations receiving foreign funds.
Prior to this deferral, Christian leaders, including Catholic bishops, had repeatedly appealed to the federal government to either withdraw the bill entirely or ensure that all stakeholders were heard before expediting its passage through parliament. A significant ecumenical delegation comprising 17 members, representing major Christian denominations including the Catholic Church, met with Federal Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah within the parliament building on August 6 to articulate their concerns.
The All India Christian Council has also welcomed the formation of the JPC, extending gratitude to the lawmakers who advocated for it. While acknowledging this development, the council reiterated its stance, aligned with that of the Opposition and a broad coalition of civil society, that the bill should ultimately be withdrawn. Nonetheless, the council affirmed its commitment to appear before the committee, presenting its case both in writing and in person, acting in good faith. A key concern articulated by the council is that “the heart of this bill is not regulation. It is vesting,” implying a deeper agenda of governmental control over assets. The council urged the JPC to invite opinions and suggestions from the public, institutions, and state governments, emphasizing the need to provide sufficient time for such submissions. They cautioned that a referral that merely becomes a formality would be more detrimental than no referral at all.
Similarly, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), representing a substantial Christian population of 19 million, expressed its eagerness to engage with the JPC as they prepare their report for the winter session. Reverend Asir Ebenezer, the NCCI’s general secretary, extended thanks to members of civil society for their support and encouragement, acknowledging the selfless service rendered by the Christian community and church-run institutions across the nation. Christians constitute 2.3 percent of India’s population, which exceeds 1.4 billion, with Hindus forming the majority at 80 percent. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the proposed changes to the country’s foreign funding law underscores the complex interplay between government oversight, civil society operations, and religious freedom in India.
