Thiruvananthapuram: Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who is currently in Kerala on a hectic election campaign schedule, addressed the media regarding the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), offering assurances to the Christian community and clarifying the intent behind the bill.
The Minister stated that there was no cause for concern among genuine organisations. He emphasised that the proposed amendments are intended to support lawful NGOs while acting against illegal entities.
Speaking to media on April 4, Rijiju said that the Christian community need not worry at all, asserting that the proposed FCRA amendment bill would help and support genuine NGOs. He clarified that the legislation would only target illegal organisations working against India’s interests and those misusing foreign funds for wrongful purposes.
#WATCH | Thrissur, Keralam: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says, "The Christian community need not worry at all. I have assured them that our proposed FCRA amendment bill will only help and support the good NGOs, and it will only target those illegal organisations that are working… pic.twitter.com/ty0ZZFPIw9
— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2026
Reiterating his assurance, the Minister noted that good organisations, especially Christian organisations, need not worry, adding that the government is committed to ensuring that genuine organisations are not harmed.
Referring to his recent outreach, Rijiju said that he had met church leaders and senior representatives in Thiruvananthapuram and had conveyed these assurances directly. He added that the FCRA bill has currently been put on hold to allow for further consultations.
The Minister further stated that after the elections, state BJP leaders from Kerala will be invited to Delhi for discussions, where they will also meet the Union Home Minister. He reiterated that the concerns of the Christian community will be addressed and that the government would ensure full protection for genuine organisations.
Rijiju underlined that the focus of the amendments remains on radical elements and organisations working against India’s security and national interest, and said that only such entities should be concerned.
Addressing specific queries, he confirmed that concerns raised by Christian organisations had been acknowledged. He said he had assured them that further discussions would take place, reiterating that there is nothing to worry for genuine stakeholders.
It is a known fact that several organisations have set up NGOs in India in the name of charity and social work, but many were found violating FCRA norms. Over the last decade, thousands of fake and corrupt NGOs have lost their FCRA licences for failing to follow the law.
Despite this, many have attempted to play the victim card and level allegations against the current NDA government. In reality, under the guise of religious and charitable work, foreign funds were often misused or diverted for activities against national interest, making this a serious concern.
The government has been closely monitoring the inflow of foreign funds into India. Several organisations, including well-known ones like Rural Development Trust, Jesus Redeems, Caritas India, Harvest India, Development Activities for Rural People, Mothers Touch Charity Foundation, Rahbar Foundation, World Vision India, and Oxfam India, have faced scrutiny. According to the government, more than 1,800 NGOs had their FCRA licences cancelled over a span of three years as of 2022.
