Shillong: Congress in Meghalaya on Monday held a protest rally against the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and sought the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah.Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee president and former MP Vincent Pala, who led the rally at Don Bosco Point in the city, alleged that BJP was trying to push the Bill through Parliament this week.He described the Centre’s proposed move as a “first attack after Independence” on churches, schools and NGOs that receive foreign contributions. Alleging that the amendments would be tantamount to “one of the most dangerous Bills in the history of India”, the Congress leader cited Section 16A (1), which provides for provisional vesting of foreign contributions and assets upon cancellation or cessation of an FCRA certificate.Pala said Congress was not opposed to regulation but opposed to what he called “blanket punishment”. “We have no problem with FCRA as long as it is used for the right purpose. We welcome transparency and accountability. But punish those who misuse funds, not everyone,” he said.He also cautioned that the changes would hit Meghalaya, which has several missionary educational and health institutions, the hardest.“Through FCRA we don’t get buildings. We get education, hospitals, and support for the poor. Cut off that help and unemployment and hardship will only grow. Congress is fighting for the future of our children,” he said.Earlier on July 5, CM Conrad K Sangma had led a delegation of church and community leaders to meet Union home minister Amit Shah, urging Centre to safeguard religious, educational, and charitable institutions from adverse provisions in the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill.Shah had assured the delegation that ministry of home affairs would consult all stakeholders.
