FCRAAmendment – Mizoram Congress Seeks Special Assembly Session to Oppose Proposed Bill
FCRAAmendment -The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has appealed to the state government to urgently convene a special session of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly to adopt a resolution opposing the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The party argued that the legislation could have far-reaching implications for Christian institutions and non-governmental organisations operating in the state.
Congress Urges Immediate Legislative Response
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday, the MPCC requested that the government formally place a resolution before the Assembly rejecting the proposed amendment and secure its approval through a specially called session. According to the opposition party, the issue deserves immediate political attention because of its potential impact on organisations that rely on overseas financial assistance for charitable and community work.
The memorandum, signed by Mizoram Congress president Lal Thanzara, described the matter as one requiring urgent action and urged the state government to clearly communicate Mizoram’s position on the proposed legislation.
Call for Dialogue With the Prime Minister
Besides seeking an Assembly resolution, the Congress also proposed that Chief Minister Lalduhoma take the lead in facilitating a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and representatives of churches, civil society organisations, and political parties from Mizoram.
The party believes such a discussion would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to explain their concerns directly to the Union government and request the withdrawal of the proposed amendment before it is taken up in Parliament.
Appeal to Mizoram’s Members of Parliament
The MPCC also called upon the state’s two Members of Parliament to oppose the proposed legislation during parliamentary proceedings. It urged both MPs to raise objections when the Bill is introduced and to vote against it if it comes up for consideration.
According to the Congress, elected representatives from Mizoram should reflect the concerns expressed by religious bodies, NGOs, and civil society groups in the state during the legislative process.
Concerns Over Impact on Churches and NGOs
Speaking to reporters after submitting the memorandum, senior Congress leader and former MLA John Siamkunga said the proposed amendments could significantly affect Christian organisations and voluntary groups working across Mizoram.
He argued that previous changes made to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act during the BJP-led government had already made it more difficult for several organisations to receive financial support from overseas donors. According to him, churches and NGOs in Mizoram have faced particular challenges under the existing framework, and additional amendments may further complicate their operations.
The Congress maintains that many institutions engaged in social welfare, education, healthcare, and community development depend on foreign contributions to carry out their activities and should not face unnecessary obstacles.
Party Calls for United Stand Across the State
The MPCC stated that protecting the interests of Mizoram’s people, land, and religious institutions remains one of its principal commitments. It appealed to churches, non-governmental organisations, and political parties to work together in expressing their opposition to the proposed Bill.
The party also questioned the state government’s silence on the matter, noting that several churches across Mizoram have already organised prayer meetings in response to the proposed legislation. Congress leaders said they expected the government to take a more proactive position considering the concerns being voiced by religious organisations and civil society groups.
With the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 yet to be introduced in Parliament, political debate over its likely impact continues to intensify in Mizoram, where the issue has drawn significant attention from religious institutions, opposition parties, and non-governmental organisations.