US Will Hold Hearing on India's Halt on NGO

The House Foreign Affairs Committee will meet next week to address India's restrictions of Compassion International's aid in the country. 

The Christian charity Compassion International provides aid to more than 500 child development projects throughout India. The Indian government halted those efforts after it changed its interpretation and application of the foreign Contribution Regulation Act.

According to The Hindu, the government stopped the charity under suspicions that the organization was trying to evangelize the population. 

Compassion International has helped more than a quarter-million Indian children and families since their work began in 1968. However, India's recent restrictions directly impact some 145,000 children who depend on the charity's work. 

While Compassion International has still been able to provide limited aid, many are concerned the Indian government could completely stop the organization's efforts.

"In three weeks, Compassion International – which provides critical tutoring, nutrition and medical services to children in India – could be shut down…" Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said. "It is my hope that by bringing attention to this issue, 145,000 children will not be tragically denied services they desperately need. And then, relations between the two countries will be even stronger," said Royce, who is known to be a vocal supporter of India in Congress. 

Compassion International president and CEO Santiago Jimmy Mellado hopes the upcoming house meeting will allow the charity to continue its work.  

"Our desire to continue serving these children has led us to encourage our supporters to request the help of their congressional representatives. We want nothing more than to comply with Indian law and find favor in the eyes of those with the power to authorize our ongoing care to these children who are suffering in extreme poverty," Mellado said.