Shillong: Meghalaya govt will constitute an FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) Cell in the state home department to assist organisations with FCRA applications and renewals, CM Conrad K Sangma has said.The state cabinet approved the decision on Thursday to address FCRA-related issues locally in Shillong, Tura and Jowai, reducing the need for organisations to travel to Delhi.“The Meghalaya govt has decided that we will be forming an FCRA Cell within the home department of the state. This will be done in consultation with the Centre,” Sangma said.He said the matter has been discussed with Union home secretary and the mechanism will also involve Central govt officials providing support periodically.“The Meghalaya govt will take the initiative to form the FCRA Cell within the home department… in different locations if necessary, which will help and support different organizations in their process of applying or renewing their FCRA licences,” he said.Sangma said the focus should be on resolving concerns around monitoring and regulating foreign funds without causing hardship to organisations. He stressed the need for regulation “yet not harassing or affecting or damaging our institutions and our organisations” working for the poor in the state.
