3 weeks ago
Assam Christian Forum Raises Concerns Over Foreign Funding Bill
The Indian government wants to change a law about money that comes from other countries.
The law is called the FCRA.
A group called the Assam Christian Forum is worried about the new rules.
The group says some schools and hospitals get money from foreign countries.
These places help poor people, and the new rules might take their money away.
The group is also worried that buildings paid for by foreign groups could be taken.
They say there is no court to complain to if something unfair happens.
The group asked the government to talk to people before changing the law.
The government said it will look at the concerns, but the group has no clear promise yet.
The Assam Christian Forum has raised concerns over provisions in the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Spokesperson Ellen Brooks flagged provisions related to forfeiting of assets, transfer of unutilised foreign contribution funds and the creation of a designated authority.
The forum said the provisions could affect funds to schools, hospitals and charitable organisations that serve poor and disadvantaged communities.
Brooks said the absence of an appellate body under the proposed framework denies affected organisations the chance to seek legal remedy.
The forum urged the government to refer the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, noting that no concrete assurance has been given so far.
- Who
- The Assam Christian Forum, through its spokesperson Ellen Brooks
- What
- Raised concerns over provisions in the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, including asset forfeiture, transfer of unutilised foreign funds and the absence of an appellate body
- Where
- Guwahati, in the Northeast region of India
- When
- Friday, when the forum spoke to reporters in Guwahati
- Why
- The forum fears the provisions could affect funds for schools, hospitals and charitable organisations serving poor and disadvantaged communities and would leave affected groups without legal remedy
Key facts
- Bill
- Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill, 2026
- Concern raised by
- Assam Christian Forum
- Spokesperson
- Ellen Brooks
- Location
- Guwahati, Assam (Northeast India)
- Key concerns
- Asset forfeiture, transfer of unutilised foreign contribution funds, designated authority, no appellate body
- Affected sectors
- Schools, hospitals, charitable organisations
- Forum's demand
- Refer the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee
- Government response
- Concerns to be examined; no concrete assurance given
Quotes
Ellen Brooks
Spokesperson for the Assam Christian Forum
“"Over a period of time, all the institutions, whether it be in the Northeast or the rest of India, have been developed for a certain cause for the development of society - be it schools, hospitals or charitable institutions. It is a part of nation-building," he said.”
NDTV
“"If a particular hospital or school is developed in a partnership, the land belongs to us and the building and infrastructure have been funded by the foreign agency. If you talk about forfeiting the contributions, how will the properties be divided?" he asked.”
NDTV
Sources
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