Kerala Church “concerned” over Centre’s revised foreign funding rules
The tightening of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) rules by the Union Government has prompted concerns from the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in Kerala, with a senior bishop questioning the consultation process and expressing reservations about the revised penalty provisions.
Yuhanon Mar Diascoros, Metropolitan of the Church’s Kottayam Diocese, said the Centre had earlier indicated that significant decisions affecting religious organisations would be taken after consultations. However, he said the Orthodox Church was not consulted before the changes were introduced.
“I have absolutely no knowledge of anyone consulting our Orthodox Church,” the Metropolitan said.
He clarified that the Church has no objection to financial scrutiny and maintained that its accounts are regularly audited and submitted to the authorities.
“Our accounts were ready yesterday, they are ready today, and they will be ready tomorrow,” he said.
However, the Metropolitan expressed concern over the enhanced penalties under the amended rules, stating that minor procedural errors should not attract severe financial consequences.
“We are humans and small mistakes can happen. Such errors should be corrected and organisations allowed to move forward. Imposing massive fines even for minor lapses is something we cannot accept,” he said.
He also said the revised provisions could discourage churches and community organisations from continuing charitable activities.
The Union Home Ministry recently amended the FCRA rules, increasing penalties for several violations. Under the revised provisions, organisations that spend beyond the permitted 20 per cent limit on administrative expenses may face a penalty of Rs 1 lakh or five per cent of the excess expenditure, whichever is higher.
Meanwhile, Kerala Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan criticised the amended rules in a post on X, describing the changes as “highly deplorable.”
He said the revised provisions could affect the functioning of voluntary organisations across the country and have an impact on educational and social service institutions, particularly those working in tribal regions of North India and the North-East.
Responding to the criticism, Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said there was no reason for organisations receiving foreign contributions to be concerned about the amended rules.
He said the changes were intended to strengthen transparency and accountability and would apply uniformly to all organisations registered under the FCRA, irrespective of religion.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar also said he was willing to facilitate a meeting between church representatives and the Union Home Ministry to address concerns and provide clarification on the revised provisions.
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