Assam Christian Forum welcomes referral of FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 to Joint Parliamentary Committee
Guwahati, August 13
The Assam Christian Forum on Thursday welcomed the government's decision to refer the Foreign Contribution Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for detailed examination, saying the move would enable wider consultation and dialogue.
The Forum also expressed gratitude to the government and said the decision demonstrated its willingness to listen to the concerns of NGOs, minority communities and other civil society stakeholders.
Assam Christian Forum spokeperson, Allen Brooks, stated that "We also offer heartfelt thanks to God for His gracious intervention in guiding this process towards greater consultation and dialogue. This democratic and consultative step demonstrates the Government's willingness to listen to the concerns of the NGOs, Minority communities and other civil society stakeholders."
Brooks said the Forum looks forward to constructive engagement with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the JPC during the scrutiny of the proposed legislation.
He said the Forum, which works in areas including education, healthcare, social development and charitable initiatives, remains committed to contributing to the country's progress.
"We reaffirm our readiness to work in a spirit of dialogue and cooperation to help shape a balanced statutory framework--one that upholds natural justice while enabling genuine civil society organisations to continue their service to the nation and its citizens without hindrance," Brooks said.
He further said the Forum remains committed to transparency, accountability and responsible engagement with the government and other stakeholders.
"We pray that the deliberations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee will be guided by wisdom, fairness and the common good," Brooks said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's encouraging that the Assam Christian Forum is taking a constructive approach. FCRA regulations need proper scrutiny to ensure they don't hamper charitable work, but also prevent misuse. The JPC route seems like a good middle ground.
The government's decision is a step in the right direction. Majoritarian politics often overlooks minority concerns, so it's good to see a consultative approach here. Hope the JPC examines the bill with all seriousness and the final law is fair to everyone.
Interesting to see a faith-based organization welcoming government process. This is how democracies should work - with discussion rather than confrontation. The FCRA has been a contentious issue, but this collaborative step might help bridge the gap.
Respected the way the Forum is handling this - no agitation, just constructive engagement. That said, I do worry about the language in the bill. As long as the JPC ensures it doesn't target genuine charities, this should be fine. Transparency goes both ways, nah?
Seems like a sensible move by the MHA. Sending it to the JPC prevents any perception of high-handedness. Let's hope the deliberations are thorough and lead to a statute that truly balances national security with allowing civil society to do its work.
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