India's Foreign Funding Bill Draws Religious Group Opposition

India reintroduced the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 on July 20 during the Parliament’s monsoon session. The bill would empower a government‑appointed Designated Authority to take control of assets funded by foreign donations if an organization’s FCRA registration expires, is cancelled, or is not renewed, with the possibility of transferring or selling those assets. It also bans the use of foreign funds for “proselytization,” a term left undefined.

Religious organisations and civil‑society groups warn the legislation could undermine freedom of religion or belief and jeopardise schools, hospitals, orphanages and disaster‑relief work that rely on foreign contributions. The Catholic Bishops Conference of India held a national day of prayer on July 17, and in Mizoram, Christian leaders protested, submitted memorandums and met Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who said the state would convey their concerns to the centre. Critics argue the amendment targets welfare infrastructure and could result in loss of control over assets built over years of service.