The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has announced a public rally on August 11 at the Fire Brigade Ground, Laitumkhrah, to protest against the Centre’s proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
Addressing the media on Friday, MPCC General Secretary Manuel Badwar alleged that the BJP-led Central Government’s proposed changes to the FCRA could pose a serious threat to institutions run by Christian organisations across the country.
According to Badwar, the proposed amendments would give the government greater powers to act against institutions that fail to comply with registration requirements or other provisions of the law within the stipulated time. He claimed that schools, colleges, hospitals and other institutions managed by Christian organisations could be at risk if they are found to be non-compliant.
“The proposed amendments could endanger institutions that have served the people for decades,” Badwar said, adding that the Congress would strongly oppose any move that it believes could adversely affect educational, healthcare and charitable institutions run by churches.
The Centre has proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act to strengthen oversight of foreign funding received by organisations, requiring stricter compliance, transparency and accountability in the utilisation of foreign contributions.
The BJP has not responded to the specific allegations made by the Meghalaya Congress in this announcement. The proposed amendments remain subject to the legislative process.
