Shillong: Tura Congress MP Saleng A. Sangma expects the central government to ignore feedback from Meghalaya and the Northeast regarding the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, 2026. A Joint Parliamentary Committee led by BJP lawmaker Sanjay Jaiswal is currently reviewing the legislation. Sangma remains skeptical of the process. They might listen just for show.
A delegation led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recently met with Union ministers to protest proposed rules on FCRA registration cancellations and the seizure of assets from religious and charitable groups. Saleng Sangma personally lobbied Union leaders and reached out to representatives from the United States, South Korea, Australia, England, Mexico, and several African nations to pressure the Indian government. He labeled the proposal a draconian bill.
The lawmaker warned that schools and churches face an existential threat if their registration status gets yanked by the state. He argues the bill strips organizations of their right to challenge government decisions in court, even if they have records dating back seven decades. Regarding the government's willingness to listen, Sangma stated, "They will hear the suggestion, no doubt about that. But they might do so for the sake of hearing."
Sangma acknowledged a personal history with Jaiswal through environmental forums but expressed zero confidence that the committee would alter the bill. He expects the BJP to push the legislation through despite regional pushback. The future of these institutions remains stuck in political limbo.
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