Shillong, Aug 28: Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma has questioned the Meghalaya government’s decision not to bring a government resolution on the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026 during the recently concluded Autumn session of the Assembly.
Speaking to reporters on the final day of the session, Sangma said the FCRA issue was of particular significance to Meghalaya and the North East and should have been formally taken up by the government.
Sangma pointed out that while the opposition had moved a resolution on the issue, the government could have brought its own resolution if it disagreed with the opposition’s position.
“Though from the opposition side we brought the resolution, it should have been appropriate for the government to bring a government resolution,” he said.
He said the government could also have sought more time for discussion and extended the sitting of the house if necessary, given the importance of the matter.
According to Sangma, a government-sponsored resolution would have enabled the Assembly to formally place the concerns and sentiments of the people of Meghalaya on record.
“I would urge the government to come up with a resolution in the next session in respect of FCRA so that the sentiments and concerns of the people of the State can appropriately be factored and articulated and become a part of the resolution of this house,” he said.
His remarks come amid concerns in Meghalaya and other North East states over proposed changes to the FCRA framework, particularly among civil society groups and organisations that rely on foreign contributions, such as churches and charities. The bill was referred to a 31-member joint parliamentary committee on August 12 following concerns raised by North East states and protests by opposition parties.
The state government had recently announced plans to establish an FCRA cell under the Home Department to assist organisations with applications and renewals of FCRA permissions.
The proposed mechanism is aimed at allowing organisations to complete the process in Shillong instead of travelling to New Delhi. The government is working on the modalities in consultation with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
