New Delhi, July 5: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and raised concerns over certain provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), including proposed amendments that could affect the functioning of religious and charitable institutions in the state.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by a delegation of church and community leaders representing major Christian denominations in Meghalaya. The delegation included Rev. H.L. Myrsing, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI); Rev. S.C. Diengngan, Chairman of the PCI’s FCRA Sub-Committee; Rev. Dr. Meyu Changkiri, General Secretary of the North East India Christian Council (NEICC); Fr. Teiboklang Kharbani, Administrator of the Archdiocese of Shillong; and Durasal R. Marak, Youth Director of the Garo Baptist Convention, among others.
During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Union Home Minister of the state’s concerns regarding provisions of the FCRA and the proposed amendments to the legislation. They said the changes could have implications for the functioning of religious, educational, charitable and social welfare institutions across Meghalaya.
The delegation highlighted that these institutions operate a large number of schools, colleges, hospitals and community service programmes, particularly in rural and remote areas, providing essential services to thousands of people.
Sangma emphasised the vital contribution of these institutions to the social, educational and healthcare sectors in Meghalaya and urged the Union Government to take into account the state’s unique circumstances while considering issues related to the FCRA.
He appealed to the Centre to ensure that genuine institutions engaged in public service are able to continue their work without disruption while addressing concerns relating to the implementation and proposed amendments of the law.
