Shillong: The Centre plans to push the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 through Parliament next week. The legislation grants the Union government power to seize physical assets like hospitals, schools, and hostels if an organization loses its FCRA license. Lawmakers and church groups in the Northeast warn this risks state control over community infrastructure. It targets organizations if a registration is canceled, surrendered, or expires.
Regional opposition is mounting. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma confirmed state representatives will vote against the bill following meetings with the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee and the Christian Coordination Committee. Lok Sabha MP Richard Vanlalhmangaiha holds instructions to formally oppose the measure. In Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma led a delegation of church leaders to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
NPP Rajya Sabha MP James Sangma faces pressure to secure protections for minority institutions. BJP legislator Alexander Laloo Hek urged James Sangma to ensure the bill does not hurt genuine humanitarian groups. Hek cited the Missionaries of Charity as a model for essential services. He warned that restrictions will impact millions of vulnerable citizens. Hek wrote, “Transparency should not become a means to take control of community institutions serving the public.”
The United Christian Forum wants a Parliamentary Standing Committee to review the bill. The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee review, highlighting fears over the seizure of mixed-funded assets. Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh also suggested parliamentary scrutiny is prudent to protect community rights. The government maintains the bill improves transparency and national security. Critics argue it ignores the reality of social safety nets across the Hill states.
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