US Congressman Criticises FCRA Amendment Bill, Says It Could Affect India-US Relations

A proposed amendment to India's Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) has drawn criticism from US Congressman Riley Moore, who has alleged that the legislation could negatively affect Christian institutions and become a concern in bilateral ties between India and the United States.

The proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 has also faced opposition from the Mizo National Front (MNF), a BJP ally, which argues that the changes could impact churches, educational institutions and charitable organisations that rely on foreign contributions.

Key Highlights

• US Congressman Riley Moore criticised the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill.
• He alleged the Bill could affect Christian institutions in India.
• The legislation proposes creating a Designated Authority to manage foreign-funded assets after FCRA registration lapses.
• The Bill also reduces the maximum punishment for certain FCRA violations.
• BJP ally MNF has opposed the proposed amendments.

Riley Moore Raises Concerns Over Proposed Amendments

US Congressman Riley Moore, a Republican representing West Virginia, criticised the proposed amendments through a post on social media platform X.

Moore claimed that Christianity has a long history in India and alleged that the proposed changes could allow the government to take over churches and religious charities under specific circumstances.

He further argued that if the legislation is passed in its present form, it could become a matter of concern in India-US bilateral relations.

The remarks come amid growing political debate surrounding the proposed amendments to India's foreign funding regulations.

What Does the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 Propose?

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to introduce several changes to the management of foreign contributions received by organisations registered under the FCRA.

The key proposal empowers the Central Government to establish a Designated Authority that would manage foreign contributions and assets created through foreign funding if an organisation's FCRA registration is:

• Cancelled
• Surrendered
• Not renewed within the prescribed time

The Bill also states that where such assets include a place of worship, the Designated Authority must ensure that the religious character of the institution continues to be maintained.

Another proposed amendment seeks to reduce the maximum punishment for certain violations of the Act from five years' imprisonment to one year.

Foreign Contribution Data

According to figures cited from the Ministry of Home Affairs:

• 13,520 organisations received ₹55,741 crore in foreign contributions between 2019 and 2022.
• As of 15 July 2026, India had:
  • 14,449 active FCRA registrations
  • 22,498 cancelled registrations
  • 15,212 registrations deemed expired

These figures highlight the scale of foreign funding regulated under the FCRA framework.

BJP Ally MNF Opposes the Bill

The Mizo National Front (MNF), a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has also voiced opposition to the proposed amendments.

The party has urged Members of Parliament to vote against the legislation, arguing that it could adversely affect:

• Churches
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• Educational institutions
• Charitable organisations dependent on foreign contributions

MNF leaders have described the proposed amendments as a serious concern for minority institutions, particularly in Christian-majority Mizoram.

Debate Over the Proposed Legislation

The proposed amendments have generated differing views.

Supporters argue that the legislation would provide a structured mechanism for managing foreign-funded assets when an organisation's FCRA registration ceases to exist.

Critics, however, contend that the provisions could increase government control over institutions that depend on foreign funding and may affect religious and charitable organisations.

The Bill is expected to be debated further as Parliament considers the proposed changes.

FAQs

What is the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026?

The Bill proposes amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, including creating a Designated Authority to manage foreign-funded assets when an organisation's FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or not renewed.

Why did US Congressman Riley Moore criticise the Bill?

Moore alleged that the proposed amendments could affect Christian institutions and suggested the issue could influence India-US bilateral relations.

Does the Bill allow places of worship to change their religious character?

No. The proposed legislation specifically states that if a place of worship comes under the Designated Authority, its religious character must continue to be maintained.

Which Indian political party has opposed the Bill?

The Mizo National Front (MNF), an NDA ally, has opposed the proposed amendments and urged MPs to vote against them.

How many organisations currently hold active FCRA registrations?

According to official data, 14,449 organisations had active FCRA registrations as of 15 July 2026.