Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma along with Churches’ representatives from North-East and Meghalaya calls on Union Home Minister on July 5. (Photo Courtesy: @SangmaConrad/X)
• NEICC-led delegation submits memorandum
• Home Ministry assures 'careful examination
Shillong, July 5 (MExN): A delegation representing churches across North-East India on Sunday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and submitted a memorandum seeking balanced amendments to the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, while reaffirming its support for greater transparency and accountability in the regulation of foreign contributions.
The memorandum also proposed changes to the recently notified Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026.
The delegation comprised of the representatives of the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), Presbyterian Church of India, the Garo Baptist Convention and the Roman Catholic Church in Meghalaya.
According to a press release issued by the NEICC, the delegation reflected the unity of diverse Christian traditions in presenting a common position on the proposed legislation.
The memorandum, accompanied by two annexures containing clause-by-clause recommendations, urged the Government to incorporate statutory safeguards to ensure that genuine charitable, educational, healthcare, humanitarian and faith-based institutions can continue serving the public without unintended disruption, it said.
While expressing support for the Government's objective of strengthening transparency, accountability and the responsible utilisation of foreign contributions, the delegation raised concerns over certain provisions of the proposed amendments and suggested practical measures to balance regulatory oversight with the continued functioning of churches and Christian institutions.
According to the release, Shah assured the delegation that the Ministry of Home Affairs would carefully examine the memorandum.
He also informed the delegation that the Union Home Secretary would be directed to study the representations submitted and that a follow-up meeting would be convened in the coming days for further discussions.
Speaking after the meeting, NEICC General Secretary Rev Dr Meyu Changkiri said the Council's representation was intended to contribute constructively to the proposed legislation rather than oppose regulatory reforms.
"We are encouraged by the positive response and assurances extended by the Hon'ble Union Home Minister. Our representation is not intended to oppose regulatory reforms but to contribute constructively towards legislation that promotes transparency and accountability while enabling genuine charitable and faith-based institutions to continue serving the people," he said.
The NEICC expressed appreciation to the Union Home Minister for granting the meeting and for the assurances extended during the interaction. It also thanked Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for facilitating the meeting with the Home Minister.
The Council described the meeting as a "positive beginning" but noted that the consultation process was still underway.
It appealed to churches, Christian organisations and believers to continue supporting the process through prayer while expressing hope that the outcome would strengthen good governance and safeguard the work of churches and Christian institutions.
The NEICC remains committed to constructive engagement with the Government of India in promoting good governance, constitutional values, religious freedom and the continued contribution of churches and Christian institutions in education, healthcare, humanitarian service and community development, the release added.
Meanwhile, in an update on X Sangma, said he accompanied the church delegation and community leaders from the State, including representatives of the Presbyterian Church of India, the Catholic Church and the Garo Baptist Convention, during the meeting with Shah in New Delhi.
According to Sangma, the delegation placed before the Union Home Minister its concerns regarding the proposed amendments to the FCRA and sought consideration in safeguarding the smooth functioning of church-run institutions and the interests of the people of Meghalaya.
The Government of Meghalaya remains committed to protecting the interests of its people and institutions, he added.
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