Shillong: The Hills State People’s Democratic Party Youth Wing is demanding the Union Government send the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The party warns the legislation could devastate churches and minority institutions. They argue the bill grants excessive power to a government-appointed Designated Authority. This agency could seize, control, or dispose of assets if an organization’s FCRA registration is cancelled or expires.
HSPDP Youth Wing officials fear the law will trap groups even if registration lapses due to non-renewal. Schools and hospitals built over decades with local and foreign funds remain vulnerable. The group also raised constitutional red flags. They cited Articles 25, 26, 29, and 30, which protect religious freedom and minority identity. They want a JPC to review the bill before any final vote.
The Meghalaya Congress is taking the fight to the streets. Party leader Eugene Jarain announced a silent march scheduled for 11 am this Monday. It begins at Laitumkhrah Fire Brigade Ground and ends at Don Bosco Square. Jarain claims the NDA government could push the bill through with minimal parliamentary attendance. He stated, "The BJP government is preparing to pass an amendment to the FCRA any time soon."
Church leaders are also sounding the alarm. Rev. Amminot T. Sohliya confirmed that a delegation led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 5 to request changes. The delegation remains uncertain if their concerns were included in the current draft. Their objections focus on Section 16A(1), which allows for the vesting of assets. They also want protections for properties in Sixth Schedule areas.
Cabinet Minister Lahkmen Rymbui added his voice to the growing criticism. He warned that requiring decades-old records retrospectively is impossible. He advocates for monetary penalties for minor procedural errors instead of property seizure. Rymbui urged the Centre to modify the bill to protect genuine institutions while still cracking down on the misuse of foreign funds.
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