Keralam Bishop urges Centre to review new FCRA rules
Kottayam, June 25
Malankara Orthodox Church Bishop Yuhanon Mar Diascoros on Thursday expressed concern over the latest amendments to the Foreign Contribution Act notified by the Centre, alleging that the provisions could interfere with the functioning of churches and charitable organisations.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs, had on June 22, notified the latest amendments to the FCRA.
Speaking to ANI, Bishop Diascoros said that churches, dioceses, parishes and charitable institutions maintain their accounts transparently and regularly submit them to the relevant authorities.
He said the Church has conveyed its views on the new regulations, describing them as a policy matter affecting the accounts and administration of religious and charitable bodies. According to him, the new rules amount to intervention in the affairs of the Church and society and are contrary to the democratic spirit of the country.
"The government of India has to understand properly what is happening and what the impact of all these things is," he said.
The Bishop urged the Centre to reconsider and amend the new FCRA rules, stating that such changes would help churches and other organisations continue their charitable and social welfare activities without hindrance.
The MHA had notified the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026, introducing a detailed framework classifying permissible activities under the religious category while also tightening compliance requirements for organisations receiving foreign funding in India.
The amendment modifies the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011, and introduces a dedicated schedule outlining activities eligible for registration under religious purposes. The listed activities include construction, renovation and maintenance of places of worship such as temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, monasteries, synagogues and other religious sites.
The schedule also permits preservation, printing, translation and digitisation of sacred scriptures and commentaries, support for institutions engaged in the study of religious philosophy and history, and provision of amenities for pilgrims, including drinking water, sanitation and shelter facilities at heritage religious sites.
It further allows the establishment of dharamshalas, langars, annadans and community kitchens under religious initiatives. Other permitted activities include religious education, moral instruction, satsangs, discourses, meditation retreats, promotion of devotional music, chants, theatre and liturgical arts, as well as documentation and revival of indigenous and tribal faith practices. However, the rules clearly exclude any activity involving proselytisation.
Alongside the classification of activities, the MHA has introduced broader compliance reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the use of foreign contributions. A key change is the introduction of the term "key functionary," expanding accountability to include directors, partners, trustees, karta of Hindu Undivided Families, office-bearers and any person responsible for the management or control of an organisation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who has worked with NGOs in Kerala, I can tell you that the FCRA changes are creating real anxiety. Churches run some of the best schools and hospitals in rural areas – these institutions survive on foreign donations. If the government wants to crack down on money laundering or political funding through religious bodies, fine. But don't paint everyone with the same brush! 🏥📚
I support the government on this one. We need to know where foreign money is going – especially in a sensitive border state like Kerala. Remember all those cases of churches being involved in conversion activities? The new rules clearly exclude proselytisation, which is good. But the definition of 'key functionary' is too broad – it could catch innocent volunteers and parish workers. Needs refinement. 🎯
The Bishop is absolutely right. Indian Christians are law-abiding citizens and our churches run the most transparent charities. This feels like targeting – first the church in Delhi, now this. Why single out religious organisations? What about the political parties and corporate NGOs that get foreign funding? Double standards much? 😤 The Church feeds thousands through annadanam and runs hospitals without any profit motive. Respect that!
Having lived in Kerala for 5 years, I've seen firsthand how churches contribute to community development. But the government has a point – without proper oversight, foreign funds can be used for political interference. The middle ground would be: streamlined reporting requirements instead of rigid restrictions. Let the honest organisations continue their work while shutting down the bad actors. Common sense should prevail! 🕊️
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.