Meghalaya’s political parties have come together in opposition to the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, expressing concern over provisions that could allow the government to provisionally seize assets of organisations whose foreign funding registration is cancelled, surrendered or expires.
The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) demanded that the Centre refer the proposed legislation to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for wider consultation with Church leaders, tribal organisations and minority institutions.
While supporting regulations aimed at preventing the misuse of foreign contributions, the Congress strongly objected to provisions that could allow the government to take control of buildings and land created using foreign funds.
Under the proposed legislation, a designated authority would reportedly be empowered to take immediate possession of such assets. The Congress warned that the provision could disproportionately affect the Northeast, where mission-run schools, hospitals and orphanages have historically depended on international charitable funding.
The party also raised concerns over “mixed-funded assets” — institutions established with both foreign and domestic donations. It alleged that the proposed provisions could result in entire institutions being seized, leaving local organisations to prove which portions of their properties were financed through Indian contributions.
“Transparency should not become a means to take control of community institutions serving the public,” the Congress said, calling for the removal of automatic asset seizure provisions and the introduction of safeguards, including prior hearings and the right to appeal.
Echoing the demand for a JPC, UDP leader and Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh said detailed parliamentary scrutiny was necessary to address the concerns surrounding the Bill.
However, Lyngdoh clarified that he was speaking in his “individual capacity”, allowing him to acknowledge concerns in Meghalaya while his party remains part of the ruling alliance with the NPP and BJP-led NDA.
Lyngdoh said that whenever proposed legislation generates widespread doubts, it is “prudent” to refer it to a parliamentary committee to ensure that the law does not infringe upon the rights of individuals or community organisations.
The political consensus in Meghalaya comes amid similar opposition from the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) in Mizoram, as regional parties and leaders seek safeguards for infrastructure operated by minority-run institutions against possible government overreach.
