By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 8: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, accompanied by a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), met Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi on Wednesday to express concerns over the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
The delegation, which included Cardinal Anthony Poola, Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, and other senior church representatives, highlighted the critical role played by Christian educational, healthcare, and social service institutions in Meghalaya and the Northeast, particularly in remote and tribal areas.
According to Sangma, the Union Minister gave a patient hearing and assured that wider consultations would be held with all stakeholders before finalising any amendments to the Act.
“We emphasised the need for adequate safeguards to ensure the continuity of essential services while upholding transparency and accountability,” Sangma said. “We remain committed to constructive engagement in the interest of the people of Meghalaya and the region.”
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the FCRA 2010, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25. However, amid strong opposition from several parties, its discussion and passage were deferred.
During the meeting, the delegation flagged apprehensions regarding certain provisions in the proposed amendments, especially those related to the possible seizure of properties of NGOs and religious institutions receiving foreign funds.
They stressed that many such institutions have been serving remote and underserved areas for decades, delivering vital services in education, healthcare, and rural development.
Sangma was joined by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong for the meeting. A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office said the delegation also underlined concerns expressed by civil society groups and called for a balanced and consultative approach.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju assured the delegation that all concerns would be carefully examined and that stakeholder consultations would precede any final decision on the amendments.
The United Democratic Party (UDP) also voiced similar concerns. UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne said the proposed changes could adversely affect the autonomy and functioning of religious minority institutions, particularly Christian organisations that play a pivotal role in the state’s social service delivery.
Chyne extended the party’s full support to the initiative taken by Sangma and Tynsong in taking up the matter with the Centre.
