SHILLONG : Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has urged the Centre to modify provisions of the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, warning that certain clauses could have a serious impact on churches, schools and other institutions in the state.
The United Democratic Party (UDP) leader said the proposed legislation gives the designated authority wide-ranging powers to seize property in cases of FCRA violations, including instances involving delayed renewal or expiry of registration.
“Once you register for FCRA, it is till eternity. If you don’t follow everything, there is power to seize the property. This is very dangerous,” Rymbui told reporters.
He also expressed concern over provisions that could make key functionaries personally liable for violations, saying liability would no longer be restricted to office-bearers or the concerned trust.
“Now liability will not only be with office bearers. It is not only Trust liability, it is personal liability,” he said.
Rymbui further questioned the practicality of requiring institutions to produce records dating back several decades, saying demands for documents covering periods of 20 to 60 years could be difficult to meet.
He urged the Centre to ensure that any new provisions apply only to future foreign funding and do not retrospectively affect funds already received by institutions.
The minister also called for specific safeguards for social and educational institutions, including churches, schools, hostels, colleges and universities.
He suggested that minor lapses should attract financial penalties rather than the seizure of institutional property.
“We want the government to insert a clause that for the Church, schools, hostels, colleges and universities, if there are minor lapses, a penalty should be levied, not seizure of property,” Rymbui said.
He also warned that suspension of an FCRA licence for several years could potentially place institutions under the control of the designated authority during the suspension period.
“If it is suspended for 5-10 years, that means all schools, hospitals and hostels will be under the designated authority,” he said.
Rymbui said Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had already raised the matter with the Union government in discussions involving religious leaders.
While supporting action against organisations that misuse foreign funds, the minister said the proposed legislation should contain adequate safeguards to ensure that legitimate institutions are not adversely affected.
“We support action against NGOs misusing foreign funds. But certain clauses must be modified so they do not affect the unity and diversity, especially of our state Meghalaya,” he added.