Conrad K Sangma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Sunday and urged the Centre to address the state's concerns over the proposed changes to FCRA.
SHILLONG — Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Sunday and urged the Centre to address the state's concerns over the proposed changes to FCRA, saying they could affect Christian institutions engaged in public service.
Sangma led a delegation comprising representatives of the Presbyterian Church of India, the North East India Christian Council, the Archdiocese of Shillong and the Garo Baptist Convention.
The delegation apprised Shah of the state's concerns over certain provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and their impact on institutions engaged in education, healthcare, social welfare and community development.
Sangma urged the Centre to take into account Meghalaya's unique circumstances while dealing with matters relating to the FCRA and sought to ensure that genuine institutions engaged in public service are able to continue their work without disruption.
"Any changes to the law should not disrupt the functioning of genuine institutions engaged in public service," Sangma told PTI.
He said Christian institutions run a large number of schools, colleges, hospitals and community service programmes, particularly in rural and remote areas.
In a post on X, he said, "We sought the Union Government's consideration in safeguarding the smooth functioning of these institutions and the interests of the people of the State."
He also thanked Shah "for a patient hearing" and said the Meghalaya government "remains committed to protecting the interests of its people and institutions."
The estimated population of Christians in Meghalaya is around 2.21 million, which accounts for about 74.6 per cent of the state's total population, making it one of the three Christian-majority states in the country.