Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Sunday to press the Centre to address the state’s concerns over proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), saying the changes could hamper Christian institutions that deliver public services across the state. Sangma urged safeguards to ensure organisations working in education, healthcare, social welfare and community development can continue operating without interruption.
Sangma was accompanied by a delegation that included representatives of the Presbyterian Church of India, the North East India Christian Council, the Archdiocese of Shillong and the Garo Baptist Convention. During the meeting, the group highlighted specific provisions of the proposed FCRA changes and outlined how those clauses might affect schools, colleges, hospitals and community programmes-especially those serving rural and remote areas of Meghalaya.
The chief minister asked the Union government to factor in Meghalaya’s unique circumstances while considering legal revisions, stressing the need to protect “genuine institutions engaged in public service.” He told reporters that any amendment should not disrupt the functioning of organisations that provide essential services to vulnerable communities.
Sharing details of the discussion on X, Sangma said, “We sought the Union Government’s consideration in safeguarding the smooth functioning of these institutions and the interests of the people of the State.” He also thanked Shah “for a patient hearing” and reiterated that the Meghalaya government remains committed to protecting the interests of its people and institutions.
According to official estimates cited by the state, Christians comprise around 74.6% of Meghalaya’s population-about 2.21 million people-making it one of India’s three Christian-majority states. The delegation’s appeal underscores concerns that changes to FCRA could have outsized effects in states where faith-based organisations play a central role in delivering public services.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalaya-cm-flags-fcra-concerns-seeks-safeguards-for-christian-institutions-1419363-2026-07-06?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-07-06 07:34:00
