CBCI welcomes JPC scrutiny of FCRA Amendment Bill, reiterates call for withdrawal

NEW DELHI, August 12, 2026: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has welcomed the Union Government’s decision to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), while reiterating that it had sought complete withdrawal of the proposed legislation.

The CBCI described the referral as a positive democratic and consultative step, saying it would provide an opportunity for the government, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to examine the proposed amendments in greater detail before the Bill proceeds further.

The decision follows sustained appeals by Christian organisations and other civil society groups for wider consultation on the proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

The CBCI thanked the government for taking note of concerns raised by the Christian community and said it looked forward to engaging constructively with the JPC and the Ministry of Home Affairs during the examination process.

However, the Church made clear that referring the Bill to a parliamentary committee was not its original demand. The CBCI had called for the legislation to be withdrawn, citing concerns that some provisions could adversely affect organisations serving poor and vulnerable communities.

A major concern relates to the proposed consequences of cancellation of FCRA registrations, particularly in cases involving procedural or clerical lapses rather than serious offences.

The CBCI has cautioned that cancellation of an organisation’s registration over technical or relatively minor violations could disrupt its access to foreign contributions and, consequently, affect its ability to carry out charitable and social-service activities.

The Conference hopes these concerns will receive detailed consideration during the JPC’s deliberations. It also expressed the expectation that the government may reconsider provisions that could have disproportionate consequences for legitimate organisations after hearing representations from affected groups and other stakeholders.

The CBCI said it supports transparency and accountability in the regulation of foreign contributions and remains willing to work with the government towards an effective regulatory framework. At the same time, it stressed the need to ensure that regulatory measures do not unnecessarily hinder legitimate social and charitable work.

The Conference also acknowledged the role of Opposition MPs who had pressed for greater parliamentary scrutiny of the legislation.

Highlighting the Church’s contribution to the country, the CBCI said its institutions have for decades served communities through education, healthcare, social development and charitable initiatives. It expressed hope that the parliamentary review would take into account the practical impact of the proposed amendments on grassroots organisations.

The CBCI said it would continue its engagement with the JPC, Ministry of Home Affairs and other stakeholders in a spirit of dialogue and cooperation.

The Conference reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and constructive engagement, while expressing hope that the parliamentary process would result in a balanced legal framework that protects national interests without unnecessarily restricting legitimate civil society initiatives.

Courtesy : CBCI