Meghalaya to set up FCRA cell in Home Department to address renewal, application issues: CM Conrad K Sangma
Shillong, August 14
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the state government has decided to set up a Foreign Contribution Act cell within the Home Department to help organisations address issues related to renewals and applications under the act.
Speaking about the initiative, Sangma said on Thursday, "The Meghalaya government has decided that we will be forming an FCRA cell within the Home Department of the Government of Meghalaya itself. This will be done in consultation with the Government of India."
He said the purpose of the cell would be to coordinate with the Centre and provide solutions to issues faced by organisations in the state.
"The purpose of this cell will be to help coordinate with the Central Government and find an effective way to address the different problems being faced by our organisations when it comes to renewals and applications, right here in Shillong, without having to travel to distant places like Delhi," he added.
CM Sangma said the matter was also discussed with the Home Secretary and efforts are underway to create a mechanism.
"This matter was also discussed with the Home Secretary. We are working on a mechanism where Government of India officials will also be available to provide support from time to time, to ensure that any problems and challenges are looked into," he said.
The CM further said that while regulations regarding foreign contributions must be followed, organisations should not face unnecessary difficulties.
"While the procedures to monitor and regulate foreign currency are being followed, our people should not suffer or face difficulties and challenges, or have their assets seized. So, striking a balance between these two needs is really the need of the hour. That is what we are working towards," he said.
The FCRA framework governs the receipt and use of foreign contributions by individuals, associations and organisations, with the stated objective of ensuring that such funds are utilised for their declared and permitted purposes.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative, but I hope the cell actually functions efficiently and doesn't become just another bureaucratic layer. The intention is clear - to help local organisations - but implementation is key. Let's see how this works on the ground.
As someone who has worked with NGOs in the Northeast, I know how much of a struggle FCRA compliance can be for small organisations. This decentralised approach could be a game-changer, not just for Meghalaya but potentially as a model for other states too. Smart move.
A balanced approach is what we need. While foreign funding must be regulated for national security, genuine social work organisations shouldn't be harassed. CM Sangma's statement about striking a balance is reassuring. Hope the central government cooperates fully.
This is what federalism looks like in practice. State governments finding solutions for local issues with central coordination. Shillong-based organisations will definitely benefit from not having to make those expensive trips to Delhi. Good governance at its best! 🌟
I appreciate the state government's proactive approach here. However, I do hope that the FCRA cell doesn't become another point of control or delay. The real test will be whether it genuinely fast-tracks processes or simply becomes another office where paperwork gets stuck. Let's wait and watch.
M We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.