Assurances not enough, want legal clarity on FCRA Bill: BJP MLA from Meghalaya

L Hek.

| Photo Credit: Special arrangement

Amid Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s outreach to Christian groups ahead of the likely discussion and passage of the Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha next week, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from Meghalaya has said the Christian community is seeking not just assurances but legal clarity on the proposed legislation.A.L Hek, BJP MLA from Pynthorumkhrah in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district, told The Hindu that Christian institutions are the “largest providers of charity in remote and tribal areas”, and their work should not be curtailed.“The main concern is whether the proposed law strikes the right balance between regulations and the constitutional freedom of the charitable and religious institutions,” Mr. Hek said, citing the work of the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa among the vulnerable communities in India and abroad.Mr. Hek said that he is one of the oldest members of the party in the entire North-East, and by voicing his opinion over the Bill, he is neither deviating from the party line nor working against the interests of the party.“I am not doing anything against the party. Why should I fear? Tell me. In a democratic set-up, internal discussion is healthy. Raising concerns does not mean opposing the government or the party. It means helping improve the legislation. Christian institutions are not merely religious bodies. They are among the largest providers of education, healthcare and social services, particularly in remote and tribal areas. Their contribution should be recognised while ensuring full compliance with the law,” Mr. Hek added.“Religion-neutral” BillOn Thursday, Mr. Shah met an 18-member delegation representing all Christian denominations—Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant—and assured them that the proposed legislation is “religion-neutral” and that the “government has no intention to harass the Christian community, or any faith community for that matter.”Asked if the assurances were enough to assuage the concerns of the community, Mr.Hek said, “The assurance is appreciated. However, the Christian community is looking not only for assurances but also for legal clarity and fair implementation of the law. Confidence grows when the law is applied uniformly, without any discrimination, and when the genuine charitable institutions continue serving the society without uncertainty.”The BJP leader said a wider consultation is required with all stakeholders before the Bill is taken up for passage in Parliament. He said he has sought an appointment with the Home Minister but yet to get one.“I have written several letters to the Home Minister and even called his office three-four times, but I am yet to get an appointment. I have also written to the Prime Minister and received a response from the Law Ministry that they are examining the concerns,” he added.One of the key provisions in the FCRA Bill, 2026, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, but not passed following protests by Opposition parties, is the appointment of a "designated authority" to take over, manage, or dispose of assets created from foreign funds when an NGO’s FCRA registration is suspended, cancelled, or not renewed.This authority will have the powers of a civil court and can order the transfer or sale of assets owned by NGOs to either the government or any other body. The Bill was initially listed for passage in the ongoing Monsoon Session, but did not feature in this week’s list of business.Mr. Shah has held a series of interactions with members of the Christian community, including the Chief Ministers of Christian-majority States of Meghalaya and Mizoram, to assuage their concerns over the Bill. Published - August 07, 2026 09:53 pm IST