NEICC Optimistic After Amit Shah Assures Review of FCRA Amendment Concerns

Shillong, July 7, 2026: The North East India Christian Council (NEICC) has expressed optimism after Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured church leaders that the Centre would examine their concerns over the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and its accompanying Rules.

A delegation representing the NEICC, the Presbyterian Church of India, the Garo Baptist Convention and the Roman Catholic Church in Meghalaya met the Home Minister in New Delhi and submitted a memorandum detailing the churches' recommendations on the proposed legislation.

During the meeting, the delegation reiterated its support for measures aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and the responsible use of foreign contributions. At the same time, it urged the Union Government to incorporate safeguards that would allow genuine charitable, educational, healthcare, humanitarian and faith-based institutions to continue their work without unnecessary disruption.

NEICC General Secretary Dr. Meyu Changkiri said the Home Minister assured the delegation that the Ministry of Home Affairs would carefully examine the memorandum, including its clause-by-clause recommendations. He also informed the delegation that the Union Home Secretary would review the submissions and that a follow-up meeting would be convened in the coming days.

The Council said its memorandum sought to contribute constructively to the legislative process by balancing greater transparency with the operational needs of institutions engaged in education, healthcare, humanitarian outreach and other community services. It also thanked Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for facilitating the meeting and creating an opportunity for dialogue with the Union Government.

Meanwhile, the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum welcomed the initiative taken by the Chief Minister and church leaders, warning that the proposed amendments could significantly affect educational and healthcare institutions across Meghalaya, particularly those serving remote and underserved communities.

The Forum urged the Meghalaya Government to adopt a resolution in the State Assembly calling for the withdrawal of the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, and the FCRA Amendment Rules, 2026, following the example of the resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly on July 1. It also appealed to Chief Minister Sangma and church leaders to encourage other northeastern states to pass similar resolutions.

Courtesy: The Shillong Times