New Delhi, July 05: The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, called on the Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah, in New Delhi today. The Chief Minister was accompanied by a delegation of church and community leaders from the State.
The delegation comprised senior representatives of the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI), the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), the Catholic Church (Archdiocese of Shillong) and the Garo Baptist Convention.
It included Rev. H. L. Myrsing, Moderator, PCI; Rev. S. C. Diengngan, Chairman, FCRA Sub-Committee, PCI; Rev. Dr. Meyu Changkiri, General Secretary, NEICC; Fr. Teiboklang Kharbani, Administrator, Archdiocese of Shillong; and Shri Durasal R. Marak, Youth Director, Garo Baptist Convention, among others.
During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Union Home Minister of the concerns of the State regarding certain provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), including the proposed amendments to the law, and their bearing on the functioning of religious, educational, charitable and social welfare institutions in Meghalaya.
These institutions run a large number of schools, colleges, hospitals and community service programmes that serve people across the State, particularly in rural and remote areas.
The Chief Minister highlighted the significant role these institutions play in the social and educational life of the State, and urged the Union Government to take into account the unique circumstances of Meghalaya while addressing matters relating to the FCRA.
He sought the consideration of the Union Government in ensuring that genuine institutions engaged in public service are able to continue their work without disruption.
