Aizawl: The Mizo National Front (MNF) has opposed the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and urged Mizoram’s Members of Parliament to vote against the Bill when it comes up for consideration in Parliament.
MNF vice-president and Leader of the Opposition Lalchhandama Ralte said on Tuesday that the proposed amendments posed a serious threat to churches, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), educational institutions and charitable organisations that depend on foreign assistance.
“The MNF is firmly opposed to the FCRA Amendment Bill. We expect the state’s MPs in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to strongly oppose it and not simply abstain during the voting,” Ralte said.
Mizoram has one MP each in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, both of whom belong to the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM).
Ralte said the proposed amendments would make it significantly more difficult for organisations to receive foreign contributions, affecting schools, orphanages and other institutions in the state.
“As Christians, we strongly oppose these amendments because they will have a far-reaching impact on institutions serving the people,” he said.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session and has been listed for consideration and passage during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Ralte also alleged that the proposed legislation would further centralise the regulation of foreign funds while introducing stricter provisions relating to organisational assets.
He said the MNF had already made its opposition public and added that party president Zoramthanga, who is currently in New Delhi, would also raise the issue with senior Central leaders.
The senior MNF leader noted that the governments of Nagaland and Meghalaya had already met senior leaders in New Delhi, accompanied by church representatives, to express their concerns over the proposed amendments. He said Mizoram should adopt a similar approach.
Officials said the Mizoram government is planning to submit a memorandum to the Centre outlining its concerns and suggesting changes to the proposed amendments.
The MNF is an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre.
The proposed amendments have triggered concerns in the Christian-majority state, where several organisations believe the Bill, in its present form, could adversely affect minority institutions, particularly churches and NGOs.