Photo Courtesy: nenow
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma wants the Centre to shield Christian-run groups from upcoming changes to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. He met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Sunday to voice these concerns. The delegation included leaders from the North East India Christian Council, the Presbyterian Church of India, and the Archdiocese of Shillong.
These organizations run a vast web of schools, hospitals, and welfare programs in rural pockets of the state. Church leaders fear new rules could stall their work. They handed Shah a memo with specific critiques of the plan. They want oversight without wrecking the daily operations of charities. The chief minister was clear about his intent regarding the pending legislation.
"Any changes to the law should not disrupt the functioning of genuine institutions engaged in public service," Sangma said. His team warned that losing foreign funding or failing registration renewals could cripple their ability to manage assets. They worry about the impact on local communities.
Christians make up nearly 75 percent of the state population. These groups handle essential services where government reach is thin. Shah promised the Ministry of Home Affairs would look over the memo. The Union Home Secretary will review their case before a follow-up meeting happens.
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