Shillong: "North East India Christian Council meets Union Home Minister Amit Shah to seek safeguards in proposed FCRA amendments for churches and faith-based NGOs"
A delegation representing several major Christian denominations from Northeast India met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday to submit recommendations on the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), urging safeguards that would allow churches and faith-based institutions to continue their social and humanitarian work without unnecessary disruption.
The delegation was led by the North East India Christian Council (NEICC) and included representatives of the Presbyterian Church of India, the Garo Baptist Convention, and the Roman Catholic Church in Meghalaya. According to the Council, the meeting focused on the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and the accompanying Amendment Rules, 2026.
In a memorandum submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the delegation said it supports the government's objective of improving transparency and accountability in the management of foreign contributions. However, it also proposed statutory safeguards intended to protect the functioning of genuine charitable, educational, healthcare, humanitarian, and faith-based institutions that rely on foreign funding for public service activities. The submission reportedly included detailed clause-by-clause recommendations and annexures outlining the Council's concerns and suggested revisions.
According to the NEICC, the Union Home Minister heard the delegation's submissions and assured members that the Ministry would examine the memorandum. The Council said the Minister also indicated that the Union Home Secretary would study the representations and that a follow-up meeting would be convened in the coming days for further discussions.
The Council expressed appreciation for what it described as a constructive engagement with the Union Government, stating that the discussions reflected openness and willingness to consider the concerns raised by church bodies from the region.
The NEICC also acknowledged the role of Conrad K. Sangma, saying the Meghalaya Chief Minister facilitated the meeting and helped create an avenue for dialogue between the churches and the Union Government.
Speaking after the meeting, Rev. Dr. Meyu Changkiri, General Secretary of the NEICC, said the Council's objective was not to oppose regulatory reforms but to contribute constructively to legislation that balances accountability with the continued ability of charitable and faith-based organisations to serve communities. He said the Council remains hopeful as the government considers its recommendations and looks forward to continued engagement.
The Council reiterated its commitment to engaging with the Government of India on issues relating to good governance, constitutional values, religious freedom, education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, and community development. It also appealed to churches and Christian organisations to continue supporting the consultation process through prayer while discussions with the Centre remain ongoing.
The proposed amendments to the FCRA are currently under consideration, and no final decision has been announced by the Union Government. The NEICC has indicated that it expects further consultations with the Ministry of Home Affairs as the legislative process progresses.
For queries, contact: Rev. Dr. Meyu Changkiri, General Secretary, NEICC. Email: meyuba@gmail.com | Mobile: +91-9436700928
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