Congress opposes FCRA amendments in Shillong
The Meghalaya Congress on Monday took out a protest rally here demanding withdrawal of the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) took out a rally from Fire Brigade Ground in Laitumkhrah to Don Bosco Square in the city.
The Congress alleged that the proposed FCRA amendment bill could threaten institutions receiving foreign funds and questioned the ruling NPP’s position on the legislation. MPCC president Vincent H Pala, who led the protest along with other senior party leaders, alleged that the proposed amendments could adversely affect schools, hospitals, churches, NGOs and charitable institutions dependent on foreign contributions.
Pala raised particular concern over Clause 16(a), alleging that institutions could face the risk of losing their properties if their FCRA registration was not renewed or was surrendered.
“If you cannot renew your FCRA, or if you surrender it, the Government can take over your property,” Pala said.
He said several educational and social institutions in Meghalaya depend on foreign contributions and warned that non-renewal of their licences could affect students and beneficiaries.
“If licenses are not renewed and these institutions shut down, our children will suffer,” he said.
The Congress also questioned the stand of the National People’s Party (NPP), which is part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre, on the proposed legislation.
“History will tell what they (NPP) are going to do in Parliament, whether they support FCRA or they oppose it,” Pala said.
He alleged that the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance Government would support the Bill because of its alliance with the BJP.
“I am afraid that they will run away, so the MDA will definitely support the FCRA bill. The MDA is part of the BJP, so where will they go?” he said.
Pala, however, said Congress was yet to ascertain the NPP’s official position on the proposed amendments.
“We are yet to see the views of the NPP; we don’t know,” he said.
He also criticised the recent meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and church leaders, saying it had not resulted in any concrete commitment to change the proposed legislation.
“As on today, there’s no change in the bill, and there’s no commitment which he made,” Pala said.
The Congress leader said the proposed amendments could affect organisations across communities and not only Christian institutions.
