New Delhi: Christian organisations on Thursday strongly opposed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, demanding its withdrawal, while RSS-linked organisations supported the proposed legislation, describing it as a necessary step towards regulating foreign funding.
According to sources, representatives of Christian and RSS-linked organisations presented their views before the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the Bill at a meeting held in the Parliament House complex.
Christian groups expressed concern that the proposed legislation, if enacted, would undermine their religious freedom and hamper social welfare activities, particularly services provided to marginalised and vulnerable sections of society.
They argued that the Bill could severely restrict their ability to carry out charitable and humanitarian work.
RSS-linked organisations, however, welcomed the proposed legislation, maintaining that foreign contributions needed to be regulated and that the Bill was a step in the right direction.
Among the organisations that presented their views were the Apostles Methodist Church, National Council of Churches in India, Evangelical Church of India, Jesus Redeems, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad and Rashtriya Sewa Bharati.
The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25 and referred to the parliamentary committee on August 12 following persistent demands from Opposition parties, which had raised objections to several provisions.
Opposition parties have alleged that the Bill targets minorities and could restrict legitimate foreign funding for Christian NGOs and minority-run educational and social welfare institutions.
The government has rejected the allegations, challenging Opposition parties to identify any provision that discriminates against minorities.
It has maintained that the proposed legislation is not religion-specific and is intended solely to regulate foreign contributions.
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