SHILLONG: Expressing strong concerns over the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2026, the Voice of the People Party (VPP) on August 11 submitted a representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through Meghalaya Governor C. H. Vijayashankar at Lok Bhavan.
The VPP delegation called for the Governor’s immediate intervention to convey widespread anxiety in Meghalaya and the broader Northeast regarding the draft statutory changes.
This move follows the party’s earlier appeal sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 4, 2026.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, VPP President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit stated that while the current FCRA regime properly monitors foreign inflows to safeguard national security, certain new provisions in the draft threaten the operational freedom of social and religious institutions.
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Chief among the VPP’s objections is a controversial provision that would create a “Designated Authority” empowered to seize the assets and properties of organizations whose FCRA registrations are revoked.
The party highlighted that the absence of a dedicated appellate mechanism leaves affected bodies defenseless, with no clear legal recourse or procedural channel to challenge cancellations or present their defense.
The VPP urged the Centre to immediately put the proposed amendments on hold and demanded comprehensive consultations with religious leaders, NGOs, and key stakeholders before any further action is taken.
Governor Vijayashankar assured the delegation that he would promptly forward their representation to the Ministry of Home Affairs, acknowledging the sensitivity and far-reaching implications of the issue for public service organizations and communities across the state.
(4FrontMedia news)
