SHILLONG : The Megalaya government will send a high-level delegation to New Delhi to seek changes to certain provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) after churches and religious institutions expressed concern that existing rules could affect church properties if FCRA registrations are not renewed.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday said the issue was discussed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to Shillong. He said the Home Minister asked the state government to identify the provisions causing concern and submit them formally for consideration. The delegation is expected to meet Shah in the first week of July to present Meghalaya’s case. One of the main concerns centres on Section 16A(5) of the amended FCRA. Church bodies fear the provision, which allows a designated authority to take over the assets of an organisation whose FCRA registration is not renewed, could create uncertainty for religious institutions that depend on foreign contributions to carry out their work.In Meghalaya, many churches have for decades been involved in running schools, hospitals, hostels and social welfare programmes.
Church leaders believe any provision affecting the functioning or assets of these institutions could have far-reaching consequences for communities that rely on their services. Sangma said the state’s objective is not to weaken the FCRA but to ensure that its implementation does not unintentionally affect genuine religious and charitable institutions.
“The intention is to find a practical solution within the legal framework,” he said, adding that the state government has been working closely with church leaders before taking up the matter with the Centre. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the Union government would give a patient hearing to Meghalaya’s concerns and consider suitable amendments or safeguards. The issue comes at a time when the FCRA continues to draw attention across the country, with several organisations raising concerns over stricter regulations, renewal of registrations and the impact on institutions engaged in education, healthcare and humanitarian work.
The outcome of the proposed meeting in New Delhi is expected to determine whether the Centre is willing to revisit the provisions flagged by Meghalaya, particularly those concerning the protection of assets belonging to religious institutions.