Shillong: Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi yesterday to raise concerns over provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), including proposed amendments, and their impact on religious, educational, charitable and social welfare institutions in the state.Sangma, accompanied by a delegation of church leaders from Meghalaya, told Shah that these institutions run schools, colleges, hospitals and community service programmes that serve people across the state, especially in rural and remote areas.“The chief minister highlighted the significant role these institutions play in the social and educational life of the state and urged the Union govt to take into account the unique circumstances of Meghalaya while addressing matters relating to the FCRA,” an official statement said.Sangma sought the Union govt’s consideration to ensure that “genuine institutions” engaged in public service can continue their work without disruption, the statement added.“Sought the Union govt’s consideration in safeguarding the smooth functioning of these institutions and the interests of the people of the state,” the CM said, thanking the Union home minister for a “patient hearing”.He said the Govt of Meghalaya “remains committed” to protecting the interests of its people and institutions.Meanwhile, the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) expressed its “great appreciation” of the “visionary initiative” of Sangma and the church leaders for meeting Shah to convey concerns over the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 and to “protest against the strict FCRA Amendment Rules 2026”.“The state worries that proposed changes will break vital social programmes as educational and healthcare institutions across Meghalaya would be adversely affected. These institutions provide essential care where govt services fail to reach,” a KJCLF statement said.The KJCLF also urged the chief minister and state legislators to pass a resolution in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly requesting the Union govt to withdraw the FRCA Amendment Bill 2026 and the FCRA Amendment Rules 2026, citing a similar move by the Keralam State Legislature on July 1, 2026.
