Aizwal: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has urged the Centre to refer the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), saying wider consultations are necessary before the legislation is finalised.
Lalduhoma said the state government had raised its concerns over the proposed amendments during his recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.
The chief minister was accompanied by representatives of two major church bodies in Mizoram -the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitu Committee (MKHC) and the Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM), which represent several Christian denominations across the state.
According to Lalduhoma, the delegation discussed its concerns and suggestions regarding provisions of the proposed legislation with Shah and also submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Ministry.
In a post on Facebook, the chief minister made a fresh appeal for the Bill to be referred to a JPC, saying such a process would allow views from different parts of the country and various stakeholders to be considered before the legislation is passed.
Lalduhoma said the request was being made in the interest of inclusive and transparent policymaking and expressed hope that the Centre would consider the appeal.
The proposed FCRA amendments have become a major concern in Mizoram, particularly among churches and civil society organisations that receive foreign contributions. Several groups have raised objections to provisions they believe could affect their operations and assets.
The Congress has also urged Lalduhoma to convene a special session of the Mizoram Assembly and pass a resolution opposing the proposed amendments.
Meanwhile, the Council of Churches in Mizoram, a grouping of nine major churches including the Presbyterian Church of India and the Baptist Church of Mizoram, has announced a protest rally in Aizawl on August 11.
CCM president Rev. Dr Lalbiakliana said the rally would begin simultaneously from Zarkawt and Sikulpuikawn at 10:30 am. The participants will later converge outside Vanapa Hall, where a public programme will be held.
The church body has particularly objected to a proposed provision under which properties, land and other assets acquired through foreign contributions could be confiscated if an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled.
CCM has described the provision as a significant expansion of the powers available under the existing law.
The church organisation has also raised concerns over the proposed creation of a Designated Authority, which it claims could be given extensive powers to seize and dispose of assets belonging to churches and NGOs without prior court approval or judicial oversight.
The developments come as Mizoram continues to press for greater consultation on the proposed FCRA changes, with the state government, churches and political parties raising concerns over their potential implications.