Shillong, November 2: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, arrived in Shillong to hear the views and concerns of religious organisations, particularly Christian churches, on the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.
JPC Chairman Sanjay Jaiswal said Shillong was the first venue outside New Delhi where the committee had held a consultation. He said the visit followed an invitation from Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who had requested the committee to first hear the concerns of religious leaders in the state.
Jaiswal said the committee had received and heard suggestions from various organisations in Meghalaya on the proposed FCRA amendments. It has also sought further clarifications from the participating groups, giving them 15 days to submit their responses.
He said that after receiving the submissions, the committee would prepare its recommendations before the Bill is taken forward for approval, with the objective of ensuring that the proposed legislation serves the interests of all stakeholders.
More than 30 organisations participated in the consultation in Shillong, including representatives from other northeastern states.
Among those representing religious organisations from Meghalaya were Fr Richard Majaw for the Catholic Church; Rev Pastor H.L. Marshing (PCI) and Dr D.R.L. Nonglait for the Presbyterian Church; Rev S.K. Syiemlieh for the Church of God and Tony Marak for the Baptist Church.
