FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 has triggered a fresh call for legal safeguards in Meghalaya, with the United Democratic Party (UDP) urging Rajya Sabha MP James P K Sangma to press for protections for minority, voluntary and faith-based institutions during parliamentary scrutiny of the proposed legislation.
The UDP submitted its recommendations to Sangma, who was recently nominated as a special invitee to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the bill. The party said its concerns focus on the possible effect of the proposed changes on organisations involved in education, healthcare, humanitarian work and social services across Meghalaya.
UDP seeks safeguards in FCRA Amendment Bill 2026
UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne said the party had studied both the proposed amendments and the accompanying rules. The party has also backed concerns previously raised by Church leaders and the Meghalaya government over the possible consequences for institutions that depend on foreign contributions.
The UDP said it supports greater transparency and accountability in the regulation of foreign funds. However, it has called for safeguards to ensure that regulatory provisions do not disrupt institutions providing essential public services.
The party has particularly focused on provisions dealing with the vesting of assets under Sections 16A to 16H. It has proposed replacing automatic provisional vesting with a court-supervised process. It also wants permanent vesting to be prevented until all judicial appeals have been completed.
Concerns over retrospective asset provisions
The UDP has opposed retrospective application of the proposed asset-vesting provisions. According to its recommendations, the provisions should apply only to foreign contributions received after the amended law comes into force.
The party has argued that assets created before the commencement of the new law should remain outside its scope. It has also sought specific exemptions for assets administered by minority institutions, citing constitutional protections under Articles 25 to 30.
The recommendations are particularly significant for Meghalaya, where faith-based and voluntary organisations operate schools, healthcare facilities, social programmes and other community institutions.
Sixth Schedule protection also sought
The FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 has also prompted the UDP to seek additional safeguards for Meghalaya’s Sixth Schedule areas and states covered by Articles 371A to 371H.
The party has proposed that any transfer or sale of property vested under the proposed framework should require prior approval from the relevant Autonomous District Council or state government. Such transfers, it said, should also comply with applicable land laws.
The demand reflects the party’s concern that central regulatory provisions should take account of Meghalaya’s constitutional and land-governance arrangements.
UDP raises concerns over registration and funds
The UDP has also recommended changes to the proposed rules governing registration and the operation of organisations under suspension.
It has called for registration to be denied only after a final conviction rather than on the basis of an FIR. The party has further sought permission for suspended organisations to use existing funds for salaries and statutory payments so that schools, hospitals and other institutions can continue operating during regulatory proceedings.
On criminal liability, the UDP has proposed limiting responsibility to office-bearers who knowingly authorised violations instead of extending liability broadly to institutional functionaries.
The party has also sought exemptions for honorary foreign advisers associated with minority institutions.
Wider consultation sought
The UDP has proposed replacing 105 detailed operational categories in the proposed rules with broader umbrella categories. It has also called for foreign-fund clearances to be completed within 30 days and for domestic expenditure to be considered when assessing whether organisations have met required levels of activity.
The party has urged wider consultation with state governments, Church bodies and Autonomous District Councils before the amendments are finalised.
James Sangma’s role in the JPC
James P K Sangma’s inclusion in the parliamentary process has given Meghalaya a direct representative voice in discussions on the bill. The Rajya Sabha MP was nominated as a special invitee to the JPC in September. The committee comprises members from both Houses of Parliament and is examining the proposed amendments in detail.
The JPC’s first meeting was scheduled for September 18, with representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs expected to brief members on the proposed changes. The committee has been tasked with submitting its report before the Winter Session’s specified deadline.
The FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 has already featured prominently in Meghalaya’s political discussions. In August, a UDP delegation led by Cabinet Minister Lahkmen Rymbui raised FCRA-related concerns with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The party had also called for a review of provisions concerning asset seizure and the functioning of institutions receiving foreign contributions.
With the JPC now examining the legislation, the UDP’s latest recommendations place specific legal and constitutional safeguards before the parliamentary panel. The proposals will form part of the broader discussion over how the amended FCRA framework should balance regulatory oversight with the continued functioning of voluntary, educational, healthcare and faith-based institutions.
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