Shillong, October 30 (MExN): The North East India Christian Council (NEICC) will take part in the consultation of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, in Shillong on November 2, according to a statement issued by the council’s secretariat.
The NEICC is among 23 stakeholders included in the committee’s study-visit programme. It will present concerns and recommendations on how the proposed amendments could affect churches, Christian organisations, educational institutions and ministries across the Northeast.
In a representation to JPC Chairperson Sanjay Jaiswal, NEICC General Secretary Rev Dr Meyu Changkiri said the council “fully supports” the government’s objective of ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of foreign contributions. However, he said the combined effect of the Bill and the newly notified FCRA Amendment Rules, 2026 “risks paralysing bona fide charitable work”.
The representation, which focuses on minority educational and religious institutions, church properties and ministries run under their auspices, said denied renewals under the existing law have already made it hard to sustain humanitarian, educational, community development and health programmes. Many projects remain unfinished and large numbers of beneficiaries have been affected, it said, adding that the proposed amendments would make matters worse.
Statutory changes sought
NEICC has sought statutory modifications to prevent what it called the “Pending FIR Trap”, in which institutions could collapse because of unproven accusations. It also wants changes to address “Suspension Paralysis”, referring to rigid asset freezes during inquiries.
The council has also proposed “pragmatic alternatives” to the newly proposed asset-vesting framework and to the financial and governance thresholds introduced in the Rules. It said these would ensure judicial oversight, protect constitutionally guaranteed minority rights and keep essential public services running.
Member’s case cited
Citing the experience of one member organisation, NEICC said the FCRA Department raised no objections or observations on its utilisation of funds in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Maharashtra from 2018 until June 2026.
The member sponsors underprivileged children, orphans and children of pastors serving in remote villages, all belonging to a single tribe in Manipur. The sponsorship covers college admission and tuition fees and hostel charges. All payments are made through internet banking or cheque directly to the colleges, institutions and hostels, and no money is paid to students, the council said.
To comply with the new requirements, the member applied to update its geographical area of operation to Meghalaya and paid the prescribed fee of Rs 300 per state. Nearly two months later, the portal still shows the application as “Under process”.
As a result, many students are unable to pay college and hostel fees, and the resulting anxiety is affecting their studies, the representation said. It noted that the students are already under stress because of the ongoing conflict in the area.
Earlier engagement
On July 5, NEICC and other major Christian organisations of the Northeast met Union Home Minister and submitted a memorandum on the FCRA. On August 6, the Joint Action Forum on Minorities, of which NEICC is a member, met the Home Minister and urged the Centre to withdraw the Bill or refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
The Bill was referred to the committee on August 12. NEICC emailed its representation to the panel on September 29.
NEICC, an ecumenical fellowship of Protestant churches in the region, has 58 units, comprising 39 member churches and 19 associate units.
The council described the consultation as an important opportunity for constructive engagement and said it hopes the concerns of churches and Christian organisations will receive due consideration.
It recognised their contributions to education, healthcare and community development.
Calls for special prayers on Nov 1
In a separate communication to all member units, Rev Dr Changkiri requested special prayers during Sunday devotional services on November 1, ahead of the JPC’s stakeholder meeting in Shillong.
“Let us pray for wisdom and discernment for the JPC and the NEICC delegation, constructive dialogue, and due consideration of the concerns of our churches and communities,” he said, adding that the council remains committed to constructive dialogue, mutual understanding and the well-being of the diverse communities of North East India.
