Delhi, India
Amid ongoing discussions surrounding the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed concerns over certain provisions in the bill, particularly those affecting institutions and organisations receiving foreign contributions.
Speaking in Delhi, Conrad Sangma said that the purpose of his recent meeting was to discuss the FCRA Amendment Bill in detail and present the concerns of various Christian organisations. He noted that several stakeholders, especially faith based institutions, have raised questions regarding specific clauses in the proposed legislation.
He highlighted Section 16 of the bill as a major point of concern, stating that it allows property seizure by a designated authority, which has created apprehension among organisations. According to him, such provisions need careful reconsideration to ensure that institutional rights and assets are adequately protected.
Sangma explained that during the discussions, multiple issues were raised beyond Section 16, indicating that there are broader concerns within the community regarding the bill’s potential impact. He stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue and consultation before finalising such significant legislative changes.
He urged the government to hold wider discussions with all stakeholders so that their concerns can be properly addressed before the bill is passed. He emphasized that consultation is key to ensuring that the law is balanced and does not unintentionally affect legitimate organisations.
The Meghalaya Chief Minister also mentioned that the response from the concerned Union Minister was encouraging. He said that assurances were given that the concerns raised would be taken seriously and discussed at the highest level before any final decision is made on the bill.
He expressed hope that necessary amendments would be incorporated to safeguard the rights, properties, and functioning of institutions, particularly those belonging to Christian organisations.
Sangma further stated that the visit was part of a broader effort to coordinate among different denominations, boards, and institutions. The delegation engaged with various stakeholders and government representatives to present a unified perspective on the issue.
He underlined that the objective of these meetings was not confrontation but constructive engagement, aimed at ensuring that the concerns of institutions are heard and addressed in a fair and transparent manner.
He reiterated that the goal is to protect institutional rights while maintaining the integrity of the regulatory framework governing foreign contributions.
The FCRA Amendment Bill has become a topic of discussion among various organisations, with different groups expressing their views on how the proposed changes may impact their operations. As consultations continue, the government is expected to review feedback from stakeholders before moving forward.
With concerns being raised and assurances given, the focus now remains on dialogue and possible revisions to ensure that the final legislation strikes a balance between regulation and institutional freedom.
