Church does not receive any foreign funds in personal accounts, KCBC

Even as the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 is scheduled to be presented in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, the Catholic Church leadership in Kerala has reiterated serious concerns over the legislation.The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) said that the Church’s apprehensions over the Bill had not been cleared, adding that it did not receive any foreign contribution through personal accounts.KCBC spokesperson Fr. Thomas Tharayil told The Hindu that existing laws were fully capable of monitoring the proper utilisation of foreign funds. “The reality is that the Church is not receiving foreign funds in any personal accounts. All funds are received through the RBI special branch in New Delhi. Those receiving the funds need to file utilisation details. Also, income tax returns need to be submitted every year. The government can easily verify the utilisation and details of the total money received through IT returns’ verification,” said Fr. Tharayil.‘Unmet promise’He further said when the Bill was announced during the Assembly election period, the BJP leaders in Kerala had promised that they would intervene to address the concerns raised by the Church. “But after the Assembly election, no BJP leader in Kerala contacted the Church leadership on the issue. During a recent meeting the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India representatives had with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Minister only gave an assurance that the FCRA Bill would not have a retroactive effect. We don’t know how that assurance will work, and we will get the details only after the original content of the Bill is out,” said Fr. Tharayil.The KCBC has already submitted letters to all Opposition MPs from Kerala, demanding that they oppose the Bill when it is presented in Parliament. “We hope the MPs from Kerala will raise their voice against the Bill,” said Fr. Tharayil.‘Alarming Clauses’The KCBC further noted that some clauses in the Bill are alarming. “If an organisation fails to submit details of a foreign donation or decides to stop receiving foreign donations, the Bill states that the building constructed using those funds will go to the government. But the reality is that for the construction of hospitals or schools, 80% of the funding comes from local resources, with only the remaining 20% supported by foreign funds. Yet, the Bill recommends taking over of such properties. Such provisions are raising serious concerns,” he said.Fr. Tharayil noted that this is not an issue affecting only the Christian community. “It will negatively affect all communities. The Church always welcomes action under existing laws if any issues are found regarding funds utilisation; there is no need to introduce another FCRA Bill,” he said. Published - July 20, 2026 07:54 pm IST