Shillong, Mar 27: The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress has condemned the introduction of an amendment to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in the Lok Sabha.
State Mahila Congress president Joplyn Scott Shylla termed the amendment to the FCRA as deeply dangerous and alarming in its implications for civil society and democratic functioning in India.
She said that the amendment poses a direct threat to non-governmental organizations, grassroots movements, and civil society groups. These organizations play an essential role in sustaining democracy, advocating for human rights, and ensuring social justice. According to her, tightening restrictions on foreign funds is a tactic to silence dissent and undermine independent voices across India.
Stating that the women-led organizations, reliant on external support, will be disproportionately affected by these amendments, Shylla also said such measures reflect a troubling centralisation of power and a deterioration of accountability.
The Mahila Congress asserted that India requires strengthened institutions that promote inclusive participation, rather than actions that diminish democratic space.
Urging the central government to reconsider the draconian measure, Shylla said the government should hold meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to preserve transparency without compromising democracy and fundamental freedom.
