Meghalaya Church leaders meet Amit Shah, raise concerns over FCRA provisions amid Centre's tightened oversight of foreign funding
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A delegation of senior Christian church leaders from Meghalaya, led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday and raised concerns over certain provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and the proposed amendments to the law, saying they could affect the functioning of church-run educational, charitable and social welfare institutions in the state.
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According to an official statement, the delegation apprised the Home Minister of Meghalaya's concerns regarding specific provisions of the FCRA and their impact on institutions run by Christian organisations. The delegation stated that these institutions operate a large number of schools, colleges, hospitals, and community welfare programmes, particularly in rural and remote areas of the state.
The delegation comprised senior representatives of the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI), North East India Christian Council (NEICC), the Archdiocese of Shillong, and the Garo Baptist Convention, including Rev. H. L. Myrsing, Rev. S. C. Diengngan, Rev. Dr. Meyu Changkiri, Fr. Teiboklang Kharbani and Durasal R. Marak.
Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) uncovered an alleged foreign funding network involving US-based Christian missionary organisation The Timothy Initiative (TTI). According to the agency, foreign funds were allegedly routed into India through debit cards issued by an American bank, bypassing regulated banking channels. Investigators suspect that nearly ₹95 crore may have been channelled into India, with withdrawals taking place in several Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts, prompting concerns over national security.
Over the past few years, the Ministry of Home Affairs has cancelled or declined to renew the FCRA registrations of several organisations after detecting alleged violations of statutory provisions governing foreign contributions. The Centre has repeatedly maintained that organisations complying with the law have nothing to fear from regulatory oversight and that robust monitoring of foreign funding remains essential to protecting India's financial integrity and national security.
Against this backdrop, the Meghalaya delegation's meeting with the Union Home Minister reflects the concerns of church bodies over the implementation of the FCRA, even as the Centre continues to emphasise strict compliance with the law as a key element of its national security and financial transparency framework.
The meeting comes at a time when the Centre has stepped up scrutiny of foreign funding received by religious and non-governmental organisations, maintaining that the FCRA is a critical legal framework to ensure transparency, accountability, and to prevent the misuse of overseas funds in activities prejudicial to national interest.
According to an official statement, the delegation apprised the Home Minister of Meghalaya's concerns regarding specific provisions of the FCRA and their impact on institutions run by Christian organisations. The delegation stated that these institutions operate a large number of schools, colleges, hospitals, and community welfare programmes, particularly in rural and remote areas of the state.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma highlighted the role played by these institutions in Meghalaya's educational and social sectors and urged the Union Government to consider the state's unique circumstances while addressing issues relating to the FCRA. He also requested that genuine institutions engaged in public service should be able to continue their activities without disruption.
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The delegation comprised senior representatives of the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI), North East India Christian Council (NEICC), the Archdiocese of Shillong, and the Garo Baptist Convention, including Rev. H. L. Myrsing, Rev. S. C. Diengngan, Rev. Dr. Meyu Changkiri, Fr. Teiboklang Kharbani and Durasal R. Marak.
The discussion assumes significance as central agencies have intensified investigations into alleged violations of foreign funding laws. The Union Government has consistently maintained that the FCRA is not intended to restrict genuine charitable or religious work, but to ensure that foreign contributions are received and utilised in accordance with Indian law and are not diverted for unlawful activities.
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Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) uncovered an alleged foreign funding network involving US-based Christian missionary organisation The Timothy Initiative (TTI). According to the agency, foreign funds were allegedly routed into India through debit cards issued by an American bank, bypassing regulated banking channels. Investigators suspect that nearly ₹95 crore may have been channelled into India, with withdrawals taking place in several Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts, prompting concerns over national security.
In a significant order delivered on 1 July, the Karnataka High Court refused to quash criminal proceedings linked to the case and observed that clandestine financing acts as the "oxygen" that sustains extremist movements. The Court held that allegations involving covert financial networks and national security warrant a comprehensive investigation rather than premature judicial intervention.
Over the past few years, the Ministry of Home Affairs has cancelled or declined to renew the FCRA registrations of several organisations after detecting alleged violations of statutory provisions governing foreign contributions. The Centre has repeatedly maintained that organisations complying with the law have nothing to fear from regulatory oversight and that robust monitoring of foreign funding remains essential to protecting India's financial integrity and national security.
Against this backdrop, the Meghalaya delegation's meeting with the Union Home Minister reflects the concerns of church bodies over the implementation of the FCRA, even as the Centre continues to emphasise strict compliance with the law as a key element of its national security and financial transparency framework.