Shillong: The 2026 Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill heads to Parliament next week. The legislation triggers alarm across the Northeast. It grants the Union government power to seize physical assets like hospitals, schools, and hostels if an organization loses its FCRA license. Critics fear simple administrative errors could trigger state takeovers without judicial oversight.
Hynniewtrep Youth Council president Roy Kupar Synrem confirmed his group is monitoring the situation. He vowed to defend local religious institutions from any harmful fallout. "If the FCRA Bill affects the religious institutions in Meghalaya, particularly their charitable and religious activities, the HYC will stand in support of the churches and other religious institutions, especially Christian institutions operating in the state," Synrem said.
The National People’s Party remains in limbo. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong admitted on Wednesday that the party does not know if the Centre accepted amendments jointly proposed by Northeast leaders and church groups. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma previously led a delegation to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who reportedly promised that the work of these organizations would remain protected. Tynsong stated he cannot yet confirm if the party will support or oppose the final vote.
Pressure is mounting elsewhere. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma directed MP Richard Vanlalhmangaiha to vote against the Bill unless the Centre adopts requested changes. Meanwhile, BJP legislator Alexander Laloo Hek wrote to Rajya Sabha MP James Sangma on Thursday. Hek urged Sangma to secure legal safeguards for charities, citing the Missionaries of Charity as a vital service provider. The United Christian Forum has also demanded that the government refer the legislation to a Parliamentary Standing Committee for further review.
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