Shillong, Aug 13: Amid concerns in Meghalaya and across the Northeast over the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, the state government has decided to set up a dedicated FCRA cell within the Home Department to assist organisations with applications and renewals.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the cell will be constituted in consultation with the Government of India to make the process more accessible for organisations based in Meghalaya. The mechanism is being worked out with the Union Home Ministry.
The aim is to facilitate FCRA-related procedures from Shillong instead of requiring organisations to travel to New Delhi for applications or renewals. “This initiative would help ease the difficulties faced by organisations that have to navigate the FCRA process and ensure that the necessary procedures can be undertaken locally,” Sangma said.
The decision comes as civil society organisations and political parties in the Northeast have voiced apprehension over the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and its possible impact on groups dependent on foreign contributions for social, educational and charitable work.
Sangma had earlier cautioned parties against trying to claim credit over the issue. He also acknowledged the United Democratic Party for meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi recently to convey concerns over the proposed amendments.
The Bill has drawn national attention after it was referred to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee amid opposition protests. Opposition parties have alleged the proposed changes could adversely affect civil society and minority institutions, including Christian organisations that rely on foreign funds for education, healthcare and welfare activities.
The JPC review is expected to allow wider consultation before Parliament takes up the legislation further.
Officials clarified that while the proposed Meghalaya FCRA cell will serve as a local facilitation mechanism, the authority to grant and renew FCRA registrations will continue to rest with the Union government.
