Faith-Based Organisations Receive Just 6% of Foreign Contributions in India, Says JPC Chief

NEW DELHI, November 4, 2026: Churches and other faith-based organisations receive only around 6 per cent of the foreign contributions coming into India, amounting to approximately ₹22,000 crore, Sanjay Jaiswal, chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), has said.

Jaiswal disclosed the figures while speaking to reporters after a consultation with stakeholders on the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill. He said the committee was examining concerns raised by various organisations to understand the practical implications of the proposed changes before making its recommendations.

“We want to have practical solutions to the practical problems being presented before us. Our interest is national interest, and we are listening to all concerned stakeholders before arriving at any conclusion,” he said.

The JPC is examining proposed changes to the law governing the receipt and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations and organisations in India.

The figures cited by Jaiswal indicate that faith-based organisations account for a relatively small share of foreign funding, with the bulk of contributions going to other non-governmental organisations and institutions.

The proposed amendments have raised concerns among opposition parties and minority organisations, particularly churches and religious charities, over their possible impact on institutions dependent on overseas donations for educational, healthcare, humanitarian and community development activities.

Church-run institutions and other faith-based organisations use foreign contributions to support schools, hospitals, social welfare programmes, disaster relief and initiatives for disadvantaged communities. Representatives of these organisations have stressed the need for safeguards to ensure that legitimate charitable activities are not disrupted by regulatory changes.

The government has maintained that the proposed legislation is not directed at any particular religion or community. It has said the amendments are intended to strengthen the regulation and monitoring of foreign contributions and ensure accountability in their utilisation.

The committee's consultations are expected to examine the government's regulatory objectives alongside concerns about the operational difficulties that the proposed changes could create for civil society organisations.

The debate has particular significance for faith-based institutions, many of which provide essential services to vulnerable communities through overseas funding.

As the JPC continues its consultations, its recommendations will be closely watched by religious organisations and civil society groups seeking a regulatory framework that ensures financial accountability without impeding legitimate charitable and humanitarian work.

Courtesy : Economic Times