Shillong, July 7: A seven-member delegation representing prominent Christian denominations from across Northeast India has expressed gratitude to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for personally leading them to New Delhi for a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
The delegation included representatives of the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI), the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), the Shillong Archdiocese, and the Garo Baptist Convention (GBC).
During the meeting, the delegation raised serious concerns over several provisions of the proposed legislation, particularly those relating to the takeover of assets belonging to NGOs whose FCRA registrations are cancelled. The church leaders said such stringent provisions could severely affect the functioning of faith-based educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and social welfare organisations that provide essential services in remote and rural areas where government infrastructure remains limited.
Rev. Amminot T. Sohliya, a member of the Trust Management Committee of the NEICC, praised the Chief Minister for what he called a “visionary initiative” in bringing together leaders of major Christian denominations to present their concerns directly to the Union Home Minister.
Rev. Sohliya noted that church-run schools, colleges, hospitals, and charitable institutions have served communities across the Northeast for decades, particularly in underserved and remote regions. He cautioned that the proposed amendments, if implemented in their present form, could significantly disrupt these essential services and adversely affect education, healthcare, and social welfare delivery in the region.
He further said stakeholders have urged the Chief Minister and Meghalaya legislators to consider adopting a resolution in the State Assembly — similar to one passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly — calling for the withdrawal or reconsideration of the restrictive provisions in the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026.
The delegation expressed hope that the concerns raised by Christian institutions and civil society organisations would receive due consideration before the Bill is finalised, ensuring that organisations engaged in public service can continue their work without unnecessary disruption.
