The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Tuesday staged a protest in Aizawl against the Centre’s proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, alleging that the proposed changes would adversely affect churches, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and welfare institutions that depend on foreign funding.The demonstration was held outside Vanapa Hall as the party voiced opposition to the proposed legislation, which is expected to be introduced during the ongoing session of Parliament. Congress leaders said the amendments could create additional hurdles for organisations receiving foreign contributions and affect the delivery of healthcare, education and welfare services in the state.Addressing the gathering, Mizoram Congress senior vice-president Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said the proposed amendments would make it more difficult for organisations receiving foreign contributions to obtain certification. He also claimed that organisations whose applications are rejected would face greater difficulty in seeking legal remedies.
According to Chuaungo, many churches and NGOs in Mizoram rely on foreign contributions to operate hospitals, educational institutions and welfare programmes that support economically weaker sections of society. He said the proposed law could significantly affect the functioning of these institutions.Congress’s Mizoram in-charge Chella Kumar also criticised the proposed Bill, alleging that it targets NGOs and minority communities. He said several institutions established with support under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, including churches, hospitals, schools and charitable organisations, could face serious challenges if the proposed amendments become law.”We will continue to oppose this proposed legislation,” Kumar said during the protest. During the demonstration, the state Congress adopted six resolutions, including a demand for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill. The party also urged Chief Minister Lalduhoma to convene a meeting of church leaders, NGO representatives and political parties to jointly press the Centre to withdraw the proposed legislation.
In addition, the Congress appealed to Mizoram’s two Members of Parliament to vote against the Bill instead of abstaining during the parliamentary proceedings. It also called on the state government to convene a special session of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly to adopt a resolution opposing the proposed amendments. The Centre has not yet issued an official response to the concerns raised by the Mizoram Congress regarding the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill.
