Syro-Malabar Church Leader Calls for Balanced FCRA Amendments to Protect Charitable Autonomy
In a significant statement from Kochi, Mar Raphael Thattil, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, has voiced strong concerns regarding the central government's proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). He emphasized that these regulatory changes must be implemented in a way that preserves the operational independence of transparent charitable and educational institutions, rather than obstructing their vital work.
Concerns Over Impact on Legitimate Organizations
Mar Thattil warned that the amendments should not be designed to dismantle legally operating organizations or impede the charitable activities conducted by Christian churches. Echoing sentiments expressed by other Christian church leaders, he demanded that the government address the apprehensions surrounding this legislative update proactively.
"It is a fact acknowledged by those in governance that the charitable initiatives of Christian churches have played a pivotal role in India's social development," Thattil stated. He highlighted numerous services provided by the Church, including destitute homes, palliative care centers, rehabilitation facilities for differently-abled individuals, care centers for AIDS patients, and free dialysis units. These efforts, he noted, offer relief to millions of people across caste and religious lines.
Utilization of Foreign Funds for Social Welfare
The Major Archbishop explained that, with support from local benefactors and foreign funding, the Church delivers excellent healthcare and quality education even in remote villages. He argued that hindering such services, which adhere to all legal norms and aim to integrate marginalized communities into mainstream society, constitutes an injustice against the poor and underprivileged.
Thattil expressed suspicion over measures that could lead to severe penalties, such as license cancellations or asset seizures, for minor reporting delays or technical audit errors. Instead, he advocated for legislation that fosters trust and collaboration with voluntary organizations and religious institutions, rather than casting doubt on their operations.
Call for Constructive Parliamentary Debate
With the FCRA amendments scheduled for discussion in Parliament on Wednesday, Mar Thattil urged Members of Parliament from Kerala to engage constructively in the debates, prioritizing the public good. He stressed the importance of ensuring that regulatory frameworks support, rather than stifle, charitable endeavors.
Broader Criticism from Christian Bodies
Meanwhile, the KCBC vigilance commission echoed these concerns in a Facebook post, criticizing the FCRA's evolution since its inception in 2010. They argued that successive amendments have transformed the act into a tool that restricts the operational freedom of social service NGOs and religious organizations. The commission warned that beyond monitoring foreign transactions, these changes create opportunities for power misuse, potentially enabling the government to take over charitable institutions built over decades.
This development underscores a growing debate over balancing regulatory oversight with the autonomy of charitable sectors, as stakeholders call for amendments that safeguard transparency without compromising essential social services.
