Shillong, Aug 10: The state Congress on Monday staged a protest against proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and demanded resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Significantly, the protest was organised by Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) at Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah, which home to several church-run institutions, including St Anthony’s and St Edmund’s that rely on FCRA funding.
In his address, MPCC president Vincent H Pala accused the BJP of trying to bulldoze the Bill through Parliament this week.
“Parliament is scheduled to discuss it on August 13, but they will try to force it through before that,” Pala said.
He described the rally as a response to what he called the “first attack after Independence” on churches, schools and NGOs that receive foreign contributions.
Calling the amendments “one of the most dangerous Bills in the history of India,” Pala singled out Clause 16(a).
“If you cannot renew your FCRA, or if you surrender it, the government can take over your property. Even if a church or school receives a small percentage of foreign funding, the entire property can be attached,” he alleged.
Making the Congress stand clear on the issue, he said, “We have no problem with FCRA as long as it is used for the right purpose. We welcome transparency and accountability. But punish those who misuse funds, not everyone,” he said.
He warned that the changes would hit Meghalaya hardest.
“Look at St Anthony’s, St Edmund’s and so many other schools across the state that depend on FCRA. If licenses are not renewed and these institutions shut down, our children will suffer,” Pala said.
“Through FCRA we don’t get buildings. We get education, hospitals, and support for the poor. Cut off that help and unemployment and hardship will only grow,” he added.
Making a call for unity, he said, “India will be strong only when all Indians — minorities, churches, NGOs — work together.”
The MPCC president also alleged that National People’s Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government would support the proposed FCRA amendment in the Parliament.
“The MDA will definitely support the FCRA. The MDA is BJP only, so where will they go?” he added.
On the size of the crowd during the protest, he said it was meant for affected stakeholders and not for political optics.
Asked to compare the turnout with the VPP’s recent march to the Secretariat, Pala rejected the comparison.
“That was a political rally and this is a protest rally. There is a difference,” he said.
“Only people who are affected by FCRA understand FCRA and these are the only people we invited,” Pala added.
