FCRA Act Debate: BCNS Sounds the Bugle for Justice and a Level Playing Field

BENGALURU, August 22, 2026: The Bharatiya Christiya Neethi Sanghathan (BCNS), a Christian socio-political movement, has raised questions over the proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), arguing that regulatory standards must be applied equally to all organisations while protecting constitutional freedoms and legitimate social service activities.

In a statement issued ahead of Justice Sunday on August 23, BCNS urged the government and civil society to uphold the principles of equality, religious freedom, freedom of conscience and the rule of law guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

Founded by a group of Christian intellectuals and activists, BCNS was registered as a trust under the Indian Trust Act in Bengaluru on October 28, 2024. The organisation describes itself as a prophetic voice seeking to promote justice, egalitarianism, fraternity, secularism and constitutional values.

The organisation said the proposed FCRA amendments could have significant implications for churches and Christian organisations engaged in social and charitable work. It expressed concern that restrictions could affect institutions involved in care for the elderly, support for persons affected by leprosy, education, work among marginalised communities and other charitable initiatives.

BCNS argued that regulation of foreign contributions should be transparent and consistent, with the same legal standards applying to every organisation irrespective of its size, influence or ideological affiliation.

The statement also questioned what it described as the lack of transparency surrounding the functioning of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), contrasting this with the regulatory scrutiny faced by organisations receiving foreign contributions.

BCNS maintained that organisations exercising significant public influence should be subject to appropriate statutory accountability and transparency requirements. It warned that allowing any organisation to operate outside legal and regulatory frameworks could weaken constitutional governance and the rule of law.

The organisation said its intervention was not directed solely at protecting Christian institutions but was intended to promote a wider principle of equality before the law.

“For a democracy to thrive and ensure a genuine level playing field, it is essential to expose and oppose non-compliant organisations while safeguarding those that operate transparently within the law,” the statement said.

BCNS said its broader mission was rooted in the belief that Christian values could contribute to public life while respecting India's pluralistic and constitutional framework.

Its 10-point manifesto includes promoting unity in diversity, supporting egalitarian social causes, building bridges with like-minded organisations, exposing corruption, supporting individuals and organisations engaged in selfless service, strengthening Indian secularism, advocating inclusive governance, working for the poor and vulnerable, and speaking for marginalised communities.

The organisation said it seeks to collaborate with people of different faiths and social backgrounds in advancing justice and fraternity.

As part of its Justice Sunday initiative, BCNS has invited people to associate with its movement as Associate Members. The organisation said the initiative seeks to mobilise citizens committed to constitutional values, equality and social justice.

The appeal, titled “The Bugle,” calls for an India in which constitutional values, religious freedom, fraternity and equality are upheld and where diverse communities live together in peace.

The poem is below:

The Bugle from Bharatiya Christiya Neethi Sanghathan, BCNS  Oh Saviour Divine As a vibrant democracy may India shine Where hearts are open to the heart of thine Where egalitarianism thrives And Indian secularism is alive Where gospel values guide public life And the Constitution reigns on high Where every Indian is a child of thine Made in the image and likeness of the divine Diverse cultures and varied styles March united under her ensign As a serene garden may India bloom Clean and green her homesteads groom Her lakes and rivers teeming life Her air and soil free from strife Peace and progress her basic wealth As salt of the earth for taste and health The sacred mission of BCNS This is why we wage our fight May all just hearts hear this cry This is why the bugle sounds That many may join its noble rounds And fight the good fight unto the end When rulers rule in the fear of God And the grass gleams with the light of morn Jai Hind!

BCNS said it would continue to rely on prayer, dialogue and engagement with people committed to justice to advance its mission.

Dr. S.M. Michael SVD, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Mumbai, is a founding member of BCNS. Dr. Paul Mathulla, Chairman of the Governing Council of IMPACT Institutions, Bengaluru, is also a founding member.

BCNS has invited those interested in its work to enrol as Associate Members through its website.

By Catholic Connect Reporter