Shillong, Aug 11: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has submitted a follow-up representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the Centre to reconsider certain provisions in the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act and to ensure adequate safeguards for institutions in Meghalaya and the North East.
The letter was sent by VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit through Governor CH Vijayashankar.
The VPP expressed concern over provisions in the proposed amendments that empower the state to assume control over the assets of organizations whose FCRA registration is cancelled.
The party stated that if applied without adequate safeguards, such provisions could go beyond the regulatory objective and adversely affect institutions that have served communities for generations.
“We are particularly concerned that provisions empowering the State to assume control over institutional assets following cancellation of FCRA registration could have consequences extending far beyond the regulatory objective,” the letter stated.
VPP pointed out that a large number of institutions and socio-religious organizations in Meghalaya and the North East have functioned for decades in education, healthcare, social welfare, rural development and humanitarian services.
Many of these institutions, including those run by minority communities, serve remote areas where governmental services are not readily accessible, the party noted.
While recognising the Union Government’s responsibility to ensure transparency, accountability and national security in regulating foreign contributions, VPP urged that regulatory powers be exercised in a manner that is proportionate, transparent and consistent with natural justice and due process.
In its representation, VPP requested that provisions relating to takeover or control of assets of organizations whose FCRA registration is cancelled be reconsidered, with adequate protection for property rights and institutional autonomy. The party also called for strict adherence to natural justice and due process, including giving institutions an opportunity to respond and appeal before any coercive action is taken.
It also requested that the implementation of the amended law should not unintentionally undermine long-established community institutions that have contributed significantly to nation-building and social development in Meghalaya and the North East.
