By Team
India’s Parliament is considering a sweeping amendment to the country’s foreign-funding law that critics warn could give the government unprecedented authority over the assets of NGOs, including Christian ministries, hospitals, schools, and charitable organizations that rely on foreign donations.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced in India’s Lok Sabha on March 25, would expand the government’s authority over organizations that lose, surrender, or fail to renew their registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The proposed law would allow a government-appointed “Designated Authority” to take control of foreign-funded assets and potentially transfer or sell those assets.
Although the Indian government argues the amendment is intended to strengthen oversight of foreign contributions and prevent misuse of funds, religious freedom advocates warn that the law could further restrict the ability of religious organizations — particularly Christian ministries — to operate freely in India.
The amendment comes after years of increasing scrutiny of foreign-funded organizations in India. Since 2010, more than 22,000 organizations have had their FCRA registrations canceled, while more than 15,000 additional organizations have had their registrations expire without renewal. Today, only about 14,000 organizations remain active under the FCRA framework.
For many Christian organizations, which often operate schools, hospitals, orphanages, and community development programs, the ability to receive foreign donations is essential to maintaining their ministries.
Understanding India’s FCRA System
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act was first enacted in 1976 and was substantially revised in 2010. The law regulates how individuals, associations, and organizations receive and use foreign contributions.
Organizations receiving foreign funding must obtain registration from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the government body responsible for administering and enforcing the law. FCRA registration must be renewed every five years, giving the government significant authority over which organizations may continue to operate.
This story was originally published in persecution.org. Read the full story here.