SHILLONG, AUG 14: The Meghalaya government will establish an FCRA Cell within the Home Department to help organizations with applications and renewals, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Thursday.
The cell will be set up in consultation with the Centre and will operate from Shillong and other locations including Tura and Jowai if needed, to prevent groups from having to travel to Delhi.
“The Meghalaya government has decided that we will be forming an FCRA Cell within the home department… in consultation with the government of India,” Sangma said.
He said the cell will coordinate with the Centre to address problems faced by NGOs during renewals and fresh applications.
“The purpose of this cell would be to help in coordination with the central government to see effective ways the different problems being faced by our different organizations when it comes to renewals and applications can be addressed right here in Shillong itself or in Tura or in Jowai,” he said.
Sangma added that the issue was discussed with the Union Home Secretary and that central officials will also provide periodic support.
“We are working on a mechanism where government of India officials will also be there to support time to time in order to ensure any kind of problems or challenges that are there will be looked into,” he said.
The Chief Minister urged political parties to keep the issue above politics, stressing the need to balance regulation with the work of institutions serving the poor.
“This is not the time to play politics but it is a time to work together to ensure we are able to find a solution… to find a mechanism for regulation yet not harassing or affecting or damaging our institutions and our organizations which are here helping and working for the poor people of our state,” Sangma said.
By Our Reporter
