Thirty-five women religious from 11 congregations are taking part in a five-day Financial Management Training Programme in Goa aimed at strengthening responsible financial administration within Church institutions. The programme, organised by the CCBI Extension Secretariat at Shanti Sadan, runs from February 10 to 14 and focuses on promoting transparency, accountability, and effective stewardship of resources. The training began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Simião Purificacão Fernandes of Goa. In his homily, he encouraged participants to remain “PURE” in their service, describing it as Purity of intention, Understanding the purpose of resources, Responsibility with compassion, and Evangelical witness through integrity. Church leaders present highlighted that good financial administration helps build trust and credibility within religious communities and their ministries.

The programme has been designed especially for provincials and provincial financial administrators. Sessions are being led by chartered accountants who provide practical guidance on financial planning, compliance, ethical management, and transparent reporting. Organisers said the aim is to equip women religious with skills that support sound governance and responsible decision-making in Church institutions. In addition to academic sessions, participants will take part in a pilgrimage to important sacred sites in Goa, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Sé Cathedral, allowing time for spiritual reflection alongside training. Shanti Sadan regularly conducts specialised courses for Church administrators, including programmes in diocesan management and finance. These initiatives seek to strengthen leadership capacity and promote accountability across Church structures while encouraging faithful stewardship of resources in service of the wider community.

The Conference of Religious India (CRI) has appointed Sr. Vineeta CSJ as its National Secretary for the 2026–2030 term. The announcement was made by Fr. Saju Chackalackal CMI, National President of CRI. A member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chambéry, Tamnaya Province, Bhopal, Sr. Vineeta made her Final Profession on June 28, 2009. She brings to her new national responsibility a rich blend of academic excellence, administrative experience, and pastoral commitment, reflecting years of dedicated service within religious life and the wider Church.

Currently serving as Secretary of the Kerala Conference of Major Superiors (KCMS), she has actively fostered coordination among religious congregations. Her regional experience is expected to strengthen CRI’s national initiatives and inter-congregational collaboration during her tenure.

Church leaders have expressed deep sorrow following a deadly coal mine explosion that killed at least 31 people in Meghalaya, a Christian-majority state in northeast India. According to the Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority, the accident also left 10 people injured. Most of the victims were migrant workers from neighbouring Assam and Nepal. Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh of Shillong offered condolences to the families who lost loved ones, describing the tragedy as heart-breaking. He also called on authorities to take stronger action to prevent similar disasters and to curb illegal mining activities that continue to endanger lives.

The explosion occurred on Feb. 5 in a coal mine located in the remote Mynsyngat–Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills district. Reports indicate that a dynamite blast inside the mine caused the accident. A large rescue operation involving multiple agencies was carried out, but access to information remained limited due to the area’s remote location. Church officials said they are still unsure whether Christians were among the victims. Meanwhile, state authorities have begun action against illegal mining operations following the tragedy. Two mine owners have been arrested, and officials seized more than 6,900 metric tonnes of illegally mined coal during raids.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has ordered a judicial inquiry and announced compensation of 200,000 rupees for families of the deceased. The Meghalaya High Court has also taken notice of the issue and sought explanations from local officials regarding the continued presence of illegal mining despite a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal in 2014.

The incident has renewed concerns about hazardous rat-hole mining, which remains widespread despite legal restrictions. Church leaders and activists have renewed calls for stronger action against caste discrimination in educational institutions following debates over University Grants Commission (UGC) equity regulations and a recent Supreme Court stay on their implementation.

Tribal communities in India’s eastern Odisha state, including many Christians, have expressed disappointment after President Droupadi Murmu did not respond to their appeal seeking protection of ancestral lands from industrial acquisition. Local tribal leaders said they felt particularly hurt as Murmu herself belongs to a tribal community from Odisha. Despite the lack of response, community representatives affirmed that their struggle to safeguard tribal land rights would continue until justice is achieved. The concerns centre on a proposed expansion of limestone quarry operations by Dalmia Cement Bharat Ltd. near Rajgangpur in Sundargarh district. Tribal groups claim the company plans to acquire additional land affecting hundreds of families, adding to previously sanctioned areas. Protests against the project included a major highway blockade in January that halted work at the site for several hours. Community organizations allege that the acquisition process has moved forward without the informed consent of the Gram Sabha, or village assembly, which is legally required under India’s constitutional safeguards for designated tribal regions. The area falls under the Fifth Schedule, which provides special protections for tribal lands and mandates consultation with local councils before external development projects proceed. Church representatives supporting the tribal cause say such projects risk displacing vulnerable communities who depend on traditional farming for their livelihood. Residents also fear losing cultural identity tied to ancestral lands. Tribal leaders maintain that despite existing legal protections, industrial expansion continues to threaten their land rights and long-term economic security.

The Delhi High Court has expressed concern over delays in appointing new members to the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), noting that the statutory body has remained largely non-functional since late 2024 due to prolonged vacancies.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia described a status report filed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs as “bald and vague,” stating that it lacked clarity on when the appointment process began and the stages completed so far. The court directed the government to submit a fresh affidavit outlining concrete steps taken and a clear timeline for filling the vacant posts.

The observations came during a hearing of a public interest litigation that alleged the government had failed to appoint a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and five members to the commission, effectively paralysing its functioning. Established under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, the NCM serves as a quasi-judicial body tasked with safeguarding the rights and interests of minority communities.

Several positions became vacant after members completed their terms in November 2024, while the chairperson’s tenure ended in April 2025. The commission traditionally includes representatives from six notified minority communities — Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains. The High Court had earlier raised concerns over the delays, highlighting the importance of maintaining functional institutional mechanisms for minority welfare and protection.