Shillong, Aug 12: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured the United Democratic Party (UDP) that proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act will not be applied retrospectively and that the Bill will be examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee before it is finalised.
The assurance was given during a meeting in New Delhi between Shah and a UDP delegation led by Lahkmen Rymbui. The party had sought the meeting to raise concerns over the possible impact of the proposed FCRA changes on Meghalaya.
Rymbui said the delegation was given two key clarifications. Shah made it clear that the amendments, if enacted, would operate prospectively and would not affect existing arrangements retrospectively. He also said the Bill would be referred to a JPC so that stakeholders can share their views before Parliament considers it further.
The UDP also asked whether Meghalaya could receive similar consideration under the FCRA framework as it has under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Rymbui said the party argued that if Meghalaya has been exempted from CAA, the Centre should consider a similar exemption from the proposed FCRA provisions.
According to Rymbui, Shah clarified that the proposed FCRA changes were not aimed at any particular religious or social community, and informed the delegation that Christian institutions account for around 16 per cent of the estimated Rs 22,000 crore in annual foreign contributions.
The FCRA issue formed part of a wider discussion on several long-standing demands of Meghalaya.
On the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security (Amendment) Bill, 2020, Rymbui said the legislation passed by the Assembly remains pending with the Centre after being referred by the Governor. Shah told the delegation that the Centre has identified “two or three points” that the state will need to address before the Bill can move towards approval. The state government will examine these once details are formally communicated.
The delegation reiterated the demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit, pointing out that the Assembly has already adopted a resolution seeking it. Shah said the demand would require further examination because of Meghalaya’s position in the Northeast and its links with neighbouring states. Rymbui argued that while the state has safeguards like the Sixth Schedule and the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act, changing circumstances have highlighted the need for additional mechanisms to protect indigenous communities.
Constitutional recognition for Khasi and Garo languages was also taken up, with the UDP seeking their inclusion in the Eighth Schedule. Shah indicated that the process is underway and asked the delegation to remain patient.
The long-pending relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Ïew Mawlong also figured in the talks. Rymbui said the immediate requirement is allotment of defence land for relocation, and Shah acknowledged that discussions had already taken place with defence authorities on making the land available.
The UDP further sought changes to the legal framework on minority recognition so that followers of indigenous faiths like Niam Khasi and Niamtre can receive minority status and benefits. Shah said the demand would have to be examined given the presence of traditional faiths in different parts of the country.
On recruitment in Meghalaya’s 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, the delegation asked for the state’s reservation policy to be applied. Rymbui said recruitment has so far been carried out under the central framework despite an earlier proposal from 2021. The UDP also requested one-time financial assistance from the Centre for Meghalaya’s state university, and proposed a new national highway along the international border connecting Mahendraganj, Baghmara and Ranikor. Shah assured that the feasibility of the highway would be examined.
Describing the meeting as “fruitful”, Rymbui said Shah gave the delegation greater clarity on the Centre’s approach. “The meeting was fruitful and I extend my gratefulness to the Union Home Minister for giving us a patient hearing,” he said.
