Shillong: New data from the Ministry of Home Affairs reveals that only 463 out of 2,313 registered NGOs in the Northeast currently maintain active Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licences. Officials cancelled the registration of 1,224 groups. They declared another 626 inactive. Organizations must now reapply to receive foreign funding.
The crackdown hits Christian groups hard. Church leaders recently met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to voice concerns. They argue the revised rules threaten the future of church-run schools, hospitals, and welfare centers. Critics specifically oppose the new Designated Authority.
Under the 2026 rules, groups that lose their registration must surrender assets built with foreign contributions to government-appointed authorities. These agencies can then liquidate property or transfer it to state control. Bharatiya Janata Party leader AL Hek addressed the growing tension. He stated, “Anga an·tangde iani bidingo maming kobor dongkuja indiba anga koborko man·sogenchimode ma·mong sorkari baksa agangrikgen.”
Manipur holds the highest number of registered groups at 989, yet only 113 remain active. Assam reports 169 active licences out of 599. Meghalaya currently tracks 81 active groups from an original base of 207. These organizations face a scramble to secure their operational future.
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