Meghalaya Church Delegation Raises FCRA Amendment Concerns with Home Minister Amit Shah

A seven-member delegation from Meghalaya met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday to express concerns over proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The delegation highlighted provisions that could affect church organisations and charitable institutions dependent on foreign funds.

After the meeting, Rev. Amminot T Sohliya, a member of the Trust Management Committee of the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), described the discussion as "very positive". He said the delegation, accompanied by Chief Minister Konrad Sangma, raised specific concerns regarding clauses in the draft FCRA amendment bill.

According to Sohliya, the Home Minister assured the delegation that another meeting involving all stakeholders would be convened to further deliberate on the issues. "He said he would call another meeting where all the stakeholders can come together to discuss these concerns," Sohliya said.

The primary concern centred on proposed Section 14B, which deals with the cessation of FCRA certificates. Organisations in the northeast fear that certificates could automatically lapse if renewal is delayed due to technical or procedural issues. "Our concern is that if a certificate expires before the renewal process is completed, it may automatically cease. Organisations in the northeast often face technical, data-related and connectivity issues while filing renewals, and these circumstances should be taken into consideration," Sohliya explained.

The delegation also expressed apprehension about provisions under Section 16 and related clauses in the draft amendment. While existing FCRA provisions have not posed major problems, the proposed changes could significantly impact church-run institutions. "Our concerns are specifically with the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, particularly Section 16 and its related provisions. We have placed our points before the Chief Minister, who in turn raised them with the Home Minister. It now depends on the wisdom of the government," Sohliya said.

The delegation remains hopeful that the Centre will consider their concerns following the positive discussions. The Home Minister has indicated a willingness to engage further with stakeholders before finalising the amendments.