The Voice of the People Party (VPP) in Meghalaya has expressed concern over the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2026, urging the Central government to reconsider certain provisions of the draft legislation.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, VPP President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said while the party acknowledges the government's role to ensure transparency, accountability, and national security in matters related to foreign contributions, some of the proposed changes have caused apprehension among civil society organizations.
A key concern raised by the party relates to provisions that reportedly empower the State to take control of assets belonging to organisations whose FCRA registration is cancelled. The VPP said such measures may raise questions regarding proportionality, due process, and the possibility of misuse.
The VPP President noted that several institutions especially in Meghalaya and other parts of Northeast have been established over decades through lawful means and serve as pillars of social welfare in areas such as education, healthcare, and rural development.
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The party further highlighted that many of these organizations are run by minority communities, including Christian organisations, which contribute extensively to service delivery in remote and undeserved areas. Any regarding their ownership and management, it cautioned, could disrupt essential services and affect the livelihoods of beneficiaries.
In its appeal, the party urged PM Modi to reconsider provisions relating to the takeover or control of assets of organisations, ensuring that property rights and institutional autonomy are adequately protected; ensure all enforcement actions follow principles of natural justice, transparency, and due process; hold wider consultation with stakeholders, including representatives from civil society, minority institutions, and the North Eastern states including Meghalaya, before finalising the amendments.
The party also urged for safeguards to ensure that genuine charitable and developmental work is not adversely affected.
The party said a balanced regulatory framework is necessary, one that safeguards national interests while also protecting the contributions of civil society organisations to nation-building.
It expressed hope that concerns of the people, particularly those from vulnerable and remote regions, would be given due consideration.