Shillong, Sep 17: Ahead of the first meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to examine the contentious Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, the United Democratic Party (UDP) on Thursday reminded Rajya Sabha MP James PK Sangma of its stand.
Sangma, nominated as a special invitee to the JPC, is scheduled to attend the meeting in New Delhi on Friday.
The UDP said it is objecting to the Bill and endorsing concerns raised by Church leaders and the Chief Minister.
“While we support the need for transparency and accountability, regulation must not become strangulation,” UDP general secretary Titosstar Well Chyne said.
The party has demanded court-supervised vesting instead of automatic takeover, stating that “charitable assets built over decades by minority institutions… must be protected.” It also sought non-retrospective application, exemption for minority and religious institutions under Articles 25 to 30, and safeguards for Sixth Schedule and Article 371 areas.
“Any transfer must be in accordance with State land laws and with prior consent of the Autonomous District Council/State Government,” the UDP stated.
It further urged that cancellation of registration be based only on final convictions, not mere FIRs, and that NGOs under suspension be allowed to utilise funds for salaries and to keep schools and hospitals running.
On the Rules, the UDP sought exemption for honorary foreign advisors of Church ministries, flexible “umbrella” purpose categories instead of 105 rigid micro-categories, and 30-day clearance for funds.
“India’s strength lies in its diversity and in the service rendered by faith-based and voluntary institutions,” the party said, demanding wider consultation before finalising the amendments.
