Meghalaya’s senior BJP leader and Pynthorumkhrah MLA A. L. Hek met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting covered several issues, including the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Bill, with further discussions with Christian organisations expected.
Hek said he held a detailed discussion with Amit Shah on issues related to proposed changes in the FCRA law. He said the bill has been sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further discussion and deliberation.
According to Hek, Shah told him that he had already met at least 35 Christian forums and Christian leaders regarding the proposed legislation.
Hek said the proposed FCRA Bill has been referred to the JPC for further discussion and consideration. He added that Christian stakeholders would be invited to New Delhi for further discussions after the JPC process is completed.
According to Hek, Shah assured him that Christian stakeholders would be invited to Delhi after the JPC completes its process.
Hek said Christian organisations and leaders would have an opportunity to present their concerns and views directly to the government after the JPC process. He did not provide details of any specific organisation, delegation or stakeholder meeting, or whether a date had been fixed for such discussions.
The available information does not specify the provisions of the proposed bill or the particular changes being considered.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, or FCRA, is the legal framework governing organisations receiving foreign contributions in India. Discussions and deliberations on the proposed FCRA Bill are continuing among various stakeholders.
According to Hek, the government is hearing the views of various Christian forums and leaders on the proposed legislation. He said the next stage of this process was discussed during his meeting with Amit Shah.
Hek, a senior BJP leader from Meghalaya, raised the issue with the central government and shared details of the assurance regarding further discussions.
Christian organisations and churches have a social role in Meghalaya. Hek said Christian organisations and leaders would have an opportunity to engage directly with the government after the JPC process and present their views and concerns regarding the proposed legislation.
No response from any specific Christian organisation in Meghalaya was provided in the available information.
Hek’s meeting with Amit Shah took place while the proposed FCRA Bill is under parliamentary consideration. According to Hek, the government has indicated that discussions with Christian organisations and leaders will continue.
The JPC process and any subsequent meetings with Christian stakeholders will determine the next stage of discussions. The final form of the proposed FCRA Bill and its further course will become clear after the parliamentary deliberations.
