NEICC delegation meets Amit Shah, submits memorandum with clause-by-clause recommendations
A delegation representing churches in Northeast India met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday and submitted a memorandum on the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 and the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026.
According to a press release issued by the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), the delegation comprised representatives of the NEICC, the Presbyterian Church of India, the Garo Baptist Convention and the Roman Catholic Church in Meghalaya.
The Council said the delegation reflected the unity of different Christian traditions in expressing a shared concern for legislation that upholds transparency and accountability while safeguarding the continued ministry of churches and Christian institutions engaged in education, healthcare, humanitarian service and community development.
During the meeting, the delegation presented concerns regarding certain provisions of the proposed amendments and submitted a detailed memorandum along with two annexures containing clause-by-clause recommendations. The Council said the recommendations were intended to contribute constructively to the legislative process.
While reaffirming its support for the government’s objective of strengthening transparency, accountability and the responsible utilisation of foreign contributions, the delegation proposed what it described as practical statutory safeguards. These, it said, would ensure that genuine charitable, educational, healthcare, humanitarian and faith-based institutions can continue serving people without unintended disruptions arising from the proposed amendments.
The NEICC said Shah received the delegation warmly and listened attentively to the issues raised. According to the Council, the Union Home Minister assured the delegation that the Ministry of Home Affairs would carefully examine the memorandum and the recommendations submitted.
It further stated that Shah informed the delegation that the Union Home Secretary would be instructed to study the representations and that a follow-up meeting would be convened in the coming days for further discussions on the matter.
Expressing appreciation for the opportunity to present the concerns and recommendations of the churches, the NEICC said it was encouraged by the openness, courtesy and positive assurances extended during the meeting and appreciated the constructive spirit in which the discussions were held.
The Council also acknowledged the role played by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad KSangma in facilitating the interaction. It expressed gratitude for his support and initiative in arranging the meeting with the Union Home Minister and for his continued assistance throughout the engagement. The NEICC said Sangma’s efforts ensured that the concerns of churches and Christian institutions were presented through an appropriate and constructive channel of dialogue with the Government of India.
Speaking after the meeting, NEICC General Secretary Rev Dr Meyu Changkiri said, “We are encouraged by the positive response and assurances extended by the Hon’ble Union Home Minister. Our representation is not intended to oppose regulatory reforms but to contribute constructively towards legislation that promotes transparency and accountability while enabling genuine charitable and faith-based institutions to continue serving the people.”
“We remain hopeful as the Government examines our memorandum, and we look forward to continued dialogue in the days ahead,” he added.
The NEICC said it remains committed to constructive engagement with the Government of India in promoting good governance, constitutional values and religious freedom, as well as supporting the continued advancement of educational, healthcare, humanitarian and community development initiatives across the country.
The Council also thanked churches, church leaders, Christian organisations and believers who have upheld the matter in prayer. While describing the meeting as a positive beginning that had yielded encouraging assurances, it noted that the process of consideration and consultation is still underway. It therefore appealed for continued prayers that wisdom would guide all those involved in the consultations and that the outcome would strengthen good governance while enabling churches and Christian institutions to continue their ministries in service of the nation.
