Government keeping a close eye on foreign donations in the name of religion, complete ban on religious conversion and strict guidelines issued for NGOs

The rules on foreign funding in India are now more stringent and transparent than ever before. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially implemented the ‘Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026’ (FCRA Amendment Rules, 2026). Through this change, the government has made it clear how foreign funding can be used and which activities will be kept within the scope of religious purposes. The main objective of these rules is to prevent misuse of foreign donations and ensure national security. Clear Classification of Religious Activities Eligibility for registration for religious purposes has been clearly defined under the new amendment. Now institutions will be able to take foreign funds only for listed activities, including: construction, renovation and maintenance of places of worship (temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, mathas etc.). Translation, printing and digitization of religious texts. Basic facilities like drinking water, sanitation and shelter for the pilgrims. Public welfare activities like Dharamshala, community kitchen (Langar) and food donation. ‘Zero tolerance’ on conversion activities The government has added a very important clarification to these rules. Although satsangs, discourses, meditation camps, devotional music and preservation of indigenous faith traditions have been allowed, the ministry has made it clear that any activity related to ‘religious conversion’ will not be accepted under the ambit of foreign funding. The registration of the institution may be canceled if found involved in such activities. Accountability for NGOs and ‘Key Functionaries’ According to the new rules, now the ‘Key Functionaries’ of an organization i.e. directors, trustees, kartas or responsible persons associated with operations have been made fully accountable. Also, it will now be mandatory for NGOs to provide details of their social media handles, websites and published materials (magazines, articles) to the government. Additionally, to receive the next instalment, institutions will have to utilize at least 75 percent of the funds previously received. Registration and transparency: what changed? Geographical area of ​​operation: At the time of registration, institutions will now have to give clear details of the states and union territories of their area of ​​operation. Bar on foreign nationals: If an organization has foreign nationals in key positions, they will generally not get FCRA registration. Additional Fees: A new fee structure has now been implemented for entities operating in more than one state. Time Limit: Already registered organizations have been given one year to update their details. The Home Ministry believes that these steps will make foreign funding more streamlined, transparent and accountable. These changes are particularly important for institutions that depend on foreign donations in the social, religious and educational sectors.