Shillong,Aug 2: Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress has condemned the FCRA Amendment by the Modi government.
In a statement, its president Joplyn Shylla said, “We believe these amendments impose excessive restrictions on civil society organisations, charitable institutions, and voluntary groups that have long served the people, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and social welfare. Critics, including the Indian National Congress, have argued that the recent changes could adversely affect the functioning of genuine NGOs and minority-run institutions”, Shylla said.
At a time when many organisations are working tirelessly for the welfare of vulnerable communities, the government should strengthen democratic institutions rather than create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. While transparency and accountability in the use of foreign contributions are important objectives of the FCRA, these must be balanced with the ability of legitimate organisations to continue serving the public.
The Mahila Congress asked the union government to reconsider these amendments, engage in meaningful consultations with stakeholders, and ensure that the rights of civil society organisations to carry out humanitarian and developmental work are protected.
