Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) deputy secretary general Mathew Koyickal on Wednesday criticised Union Minister Suresh Gopi’s reported comments regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill.
Responding to Mr. Gopi’s purported remarks that only thieves need to fear the proposed legislation, Dr. Koyickal told mediapersons in New Delhi that such comments, made without clearly identifying who is being referred to, risk unfairly labelling all people and groups engaged in social and charitable work.
‘Deeply hurtful’
“If such statements are made without clarity, it places everyone under suspicion. It creates the impression that all those working for the welfare of society and the nation are being branded as wrongdoers. Such remarks are deeply hurtful to those involved in social service,” he said.
On the issue of the FCRA Bill, Dr. Koyickal said the CBCI remains hopeful that the amendments could address the existing challenges faced by organisations. Responding to questions about the involvement of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma in the issue, he said that the engagement should not be viewed as external mediation, but rather as part of his broader responsibility as a leader with roots in the Catholic community.
