All India Christian Council To Meet On May 12 Over FCRA Amendment Bill 2026

Hyderabad, May 1, 2026: More than 10,000 Christian organisations operating in India have lost their Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licences since the law was amended in 2011. A fresh amendment proposed to the legislation is now expected to confer extensive powers on the designated authority, including the ability to take over the assets of established organisations under FCRA regulations.

Civil society organisations and Christian groups have voiced serious concern over the proposed changes to the FCRA, cautioning that the amendments could have wide-ranging implications for minority institutions, NGOs, and foreign investment in India.

The Bill, which has been deferred in Parliament ahead of Assembly elections in five States, including Christian-dominated Kerala, permits the government not only to refuse renewal of existing licences but also to take control of properties created using a combination of foreign and domestic funds, according to Archbishop Joseph D’ Souza of the Good Shepherd Church of India and national president of the All India Christian Council.

Archbishop D’Souza told The Hindu that several institutions have mortgaged their properties or leased premises to continue functioning, and uncertainty surrounding ownership could severely affect schools, hospitals, and social service organisations. “With foreign funding restricted in recent years, several NGOs have attempted to build self-sustaining models, but the new law could undermine those efforts,” he noted.

He argued that the amendment violates fundamental rights, including the right to property and minority rights. He further pointed out that many NGO accounts have already been frozen due to non-renewal of licences, with crores of rupees remaining inaccessible, and expressed concern that the new provisions may allow the government to appropriate these funds.

Foreign donors, who had provided funds specifically for Christian charities, may also pursue legal remedies internationally, potentially leading to diplomatic tensions. He urged the Telangana government to consider alternative funding models for schools and hospitals, referring to Odisha’s example when the BJP Government led by Naveen Patnaik government intervened after Mother Teresa’s organisations briefly lost their licence.

Amid these developments, the Christian Council has scheduled a meeting on May 12 to deliberate on the Centre’s deferred FCRA Amendment Bill 2026, its implications, and to formulate a strategy to protest the move. He added that efforts are underway to establish a national alliance to collectively respond to the issue. The meeting will also deliberate on the recent Supreme Court verdict on SC status for Dalit Christians and the move by the AP Government for mandatory registration of churches. The meeting will take place at the Good Shepherd Centre at Suchitra Junction near Kompally.

Courtesy: THE HINDU