India, June 23 -- The Union home ministry has amended the rules for non-government organisations (NGOs) to receive foreign funds, allowing a range of faith-based activities while excluding proselytisation from categories eligible for registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). A gazette notification for the new rules was issued late on Monday.

The amended rules say that any association having foreign nationals, other than those of Indian origin, as its key functionaries will "ordinarily not be considered" for registration or prior permission to receive foreign funds. They have an exception allowing the central government to specify cases or circumstances, through an order, in which foreign nationals may be permitte...