Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Meghalaya Congress protests FCRA amendments over church, NGO property fears
In India, a group of people called the Congress party held a peaceful protest in the city of Shillong.
They are upset about a new law the government may make.
The law is about money that comes from other countries to help schools, churches, hospitals and charities.
The Congress party says this law could punish these groups too harshly.
They say that if a group's paperwork is not renewed, the government could take away the group's building.
They are worried that even a little bit of foreign money could cause a whole church or school to be taken away.
A leader named Vincent H. Pala called the proposed law one of the most dangerous bills in history.
The party hopes to convince people before the bill is discussed in Parliament.
Congress says it is okay to stop people from misusing foreign money, but this law goes too far.
They also want everyone to know they are not against India or its government, only this law.
The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee held a peaceful protest march in Shillong against proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
Congress leader Vincent H. Pala claimed the BJP issued a whip and the bill could be introduced in Parliament before the scheduled recess on August 13.
Pala described the proposed legislation as 'one of the most dangerous Bills in history,' warning it could affect churches, educational institutions, hospitals and NGOs.
The party flagged Clause 16A, alleging properties could be attached if an organisation's FCRA registration is not renewed, is cancelled or is voluntarily surrendered.
Congress stressed it is not against the Centre or India and supports regulations preventing misuse of foreign contributions, but argued these amendments go beyond regulation.
- Who
- The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee, led by senior Congress leader Vincent H. Pala.
- What
- A peaceful protest march against the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
- When
- On Monday, ahead of the expected consideration of the bill in Parliament before the recess on August 13.
- Where
- Shillong, Meghalaya.
- Why
- Congress alleges the amendments, particularly Clause 16A, could lead to the attachment of properties of churches, schools, hospitals and NGOs that receive even small portions of foreign contributions.
Congress's Position
BJP/Government Position
FCRA Amendment Bill
Congress's Position
Congress says the bill is 'one of the most dangerous Bills in history,' claiming Clause 16A could allow attachment of entire properties of churches, schools, hospitals and NGOs even if only a small percentage of funding comes from foreign contributions.
BJP/Government Position
According to Congress's statement, the BJP issued a whip to its members to pass the proposed legislation before Parliament's recess, indicating the government's intent to move the bill forward.
- Protesting group
- Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee
- Location
- Shillong, Meghalaya
- Target of protest
- Proposed FCRA Amendment Bill
- Key concern
- Clause 16A property attachment over non-renewed, cancelled or surrendered FCRA registration
- Legislative timeline
- Bill possibly introduced in Parliament before recess on August 13; BJP reportedly issued a whip
- Party stance
- Not opposed to rules preventing misuse of foreign contributions; opposes the proposed amendments as going beyond regulation
- Notable figure
- Vincent H. Pala, senior Congress leader