Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has urged the Centre to introduce safeguards for Christian-run institutions amid proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), saying the changes could adversely affect schools, hospitals and welfare organisations serving people across the state.

Sangma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Sunday along with a delegation representing major Christian organisations from Meghalaya and the Northeast, including the Presbyterian Church of India, the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), the Archdiocese of Shillong and the Garo Baptist Convention.

During the meeting, the delegation expressed concern over certain provisions in the proposed FCRA amendments, saying they could disrupt the functioning of institutions involved in education, healthcare, social welfare and community development.

Sangma urged the Centre to take Meghalaya‘s unique social and demographic circumstances into account while finalising the legislation.

“Any changes to the law should not disrupt the functioning of genuine institutions engaged in public service,” the chief minister said. He noted that Christian organisations operate an extensive network of schools, colleges, hospitals and welfare programmes, particularly in rural and remote areas where such services are often limited.

According to church representatives, they support greater transparency and accountability in the regulation of foreign contributions but have sought statutory safeguards to ensure that charitable, educational, healthcare and humanitarian institutions can continue their work without unintended disruptions. The delegation also submitted a memorandum containing clause-by-clause recommendations on the proposed amendments.

One of the key concerns relates to provisions that church bodies fear could affect the management of assets created through foreign funding if an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled or not renewed. They have called for a balanced approach that strengthens oversight while protecting institutions serving the public.

Following the meeting, Sangma said on social media that the delegation had requested the Union government to safeguard the smooth functioning of church-run institutions and protect the interests of Meghalaya‘s people. He also thanked Shah for giving the delegation a patient hearing and reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting its institutions.

The NEICC said Shah assured the delegation that the Ministry of Home Affairs would carefully examine the memorandum. According to the Council, the Union Home Minister also indicated that the Union Home Secretary would study the representations and that a follow-up meeting would be held in the coming days.

Christians constitute around 74.6 per cent of Meghalaya‘s population, making it one of India’s three Christian-majority states, and church-run institutions play a significant role in the state’s education, healthcare and social service sectors.