SHILLONG : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has urged the Centre to conduct wider consultations and consider necessary amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 before its passage.
The Chief Minister made the appeal after meeting Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters, Sangma said that the state government has requested a broader discussion involving all stakeholders to address key concerns surrounding the proposed legislation.
He specifically highlighted apprehensions regarding certain provisions of the bill, particularly Section 16, which allows authorities to seize property based on their decision. According to Sangma, such provisions could have serious implications on the property rights of various institutions.
“We are especially concerned about the rights of minority institutions, particularly Christian institutions,” he stated.
The Chief Minister, however, welcomed the positive response from Rijiju, who assured that the matter would be taken up at the highest level.
Sangma expressed hope that detailed consultations would be held and necessary amendments made to safeguard the interests and rights of minority institutions.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong also accompanied Sangma during the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government is actively coordinating with various organisations to highlight concerns and push for revisions to the bill.