Shillong: Tura MP Saleng A. Sangma slammed the Joint Parliamentary Committee today. He claims the panel’s review of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act amendments is a sham. The government holds all the cards. Engaging with the committee is a waste of time if officials refuse to budge on their plans.
Sangma argues these changes grant the Centre sweeping power over schools, hospitals, and charity homes. He specifically pointed to Section 16A, clauses 3 and 6, as dangerous. These rules could allow the state to seize property or take control of institutional management without a judge involved. He said, "The committee’s consultations with representatives of the Christian community, NGOs and other institutions risk becoming an exercise in appeasement rather than a genuine attempt to address their concerns."
The Congress leader fears officials will simply shift contentious language into different sections of the bill rather than strike it from the record. This creates a trap for stakeholders who might struggle to track how these powers remain hidden in the text. He noted the proposed law could violate constitutional protections for religion and minority rights under Articles 25, 26, 29, 30, and 300A.
The JPC recently held meetings in Shillong to hear from local stakeholders. Sangma remains unimpressed. He has contacted church leaders across the Northeast to urge a total rejection of the current bill. Existing laws already handle money laundering concerns. These new rules could choke off vital assistance to remote areas. Schools and clinics there rely on foreign funding to keep their doors open.
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