SHILLONG, June 30: The Meghalaya government is rushing a high-level delegation to New Delhi to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and press for amendments to key provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), following mounting concerns from churches and religious institutions in the state over possible outright seizure of church properties and assets.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday revealed that the matter was discussed with Amit Shah during his recent visit to Shillong. Shah reportedly told the state to pinpoint the most dangerous clauses and formally present them — a move now triggering alarm bells across Christian communities who see this as proof of a growing central crackdown on minority religious institutions.
A major point of contention is Section 16A, Clause 5 of the amended FCRA, which empowers a designated authority to take over the assets of an organisation if its FCRA registration is not renewed. Church leaders fear this provision could be misused or applied harshly, potentially threatening the functioning and properties of religious institutions that have long been at the forefront of education, healthcare, and social development in Meghalaya.
Sangma said the government has sought an appointment with the Union Home Minister, with the meeting likely to take place in the first week of July.
The state delegation will make a detailed presentation, and the Chief Minister expressed hope for a positive response from the Centre.
“The objective is not to dilute the FCRA but to ensure that its implementation does not adversely affect religious institutions,” Sangma emphasised. He added that the government and church leaders are collaborating to find a practical solution that addresses genuine concerns while staying within the legal framework.
The development comes amid a broader national controversy surrounding the FCRA, with several organisations across the country raising alarms over stringent provisions, frequent cancellations of registrations, and fears of selective targeting.
In Meghalaya, where Christian organisations have shouldered much of the responsibility for essential services, the aggressive FCRA provisions are being viewed by many as a direct assault on religious freedom and the community’s longstanding contributions.
The FCRA provisions also underscore deep unease — and mounting anger — that the Centre may be deliberately targeting churches under the guise of regulation.
