By Matters India Reporter
Shillong, July, 22, 2026: The North East India Christian Council (NEICC) took part in a National Consultation on the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, held at the India International Centre, New Delhi.
The consultation was convened by the Joint Action Forum on Minorities (JAFM) and chaired by Member of Parliament P. Wilson.
The meeting brought together parliamentarians, religious leaders, legal experts, representatives of charitable and educational institutions, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, and minority community leaders from across India.
Discussions focused on the constitutional, legal, and humanitarian implications of the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.
Representing the churches of North East India were Reverend Namseng R. Marak, Secretary General of the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI), and Reverend Meyu Changkiri, General Secretary of NEICC.
Participants reviewed the draft amendments, considered their constitutional impact, and discussed parliamentary engagement ahead of the forthcoming session. They also assessed nationwide advocacy initiatives and explored ways to strengthen legal, organisational, media, and public coordination to address concerns related to the legislation.
The consultation drew MPs from multiple political parties, underlining the national importance of the issues raised and particularly noted for ensuring that the perspectives of the North East were represented in the deliberations.
Speaking on behalf of the churches, Reverend Meyu Changkiri thanked Wilson and JAFM for convening the consultation.
He affirmed that the churches stand in solidarity with all committed to upholding constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
He reiterated their commitment to work with governments, public representatives, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders through peaceful, lawful, and democratic means to build a just and inclusive India.
In its statement, NEICC acknowledged the Government’s responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in regulating foreign contributions.
At the same time, it stressed that these objectives must be pursued in ways that safeguard constitutional rights and freedoms of religious, educational, charitable, and humanitarian institutions that have long contributed to social development and public welfare.
NEICC appreciated the broad-based participation and constructive spirit of the consultation and reaffirmed its commitment to continue engaging respectfully with Parliament, the Government, civil society, and other democratic institutions—promoting constitutional values, protecting religious freedom, strengthening charitable service, and advancing the common good.
(Photo supplied)