New Delhi, Sep 25: The Union Home Ministry has cancelled the FCRA licence of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), an organization founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, effective immediately. The ministry’s decision comes after identifying significant discrepancies in the organization’s financial dealings, especially concerning a fund transfer from Sweden.
The ministry reported that the fund transfer posed a threat to national interest, which prompted the immediate action. SECMOL had previously received authorization to accept foreign funding to advance its educational and cultural initiatives within Ladakh.
In addition to SECMOL, Wangchuk was behind the establishment of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), which is currently under CBI scrutiny for alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
On an earlier occasion, the Home Ministry issued a show-cause notice to SECMOL regarding various irregularities in its financial accounts. Reports surfaced indicating that during the financial year 2021-22, Wangchuk had deposited INR 3.5 lakh into SECMOL’s FCRA account, violating Section 17 of the Act.
In its defense, SECMOL clarified that the transaction represented proceeds from a sale of an old bus procured in 2015 using FCRA funds. According to the organization, guidelines necessitate that proceeds from assets bought with foreign contributions must be deposited in the FCRA account.
However, the ministry dismissed SECMOL’s justifications, stating that the funds received in cash breached the stipulations outlined in the FCRA. Additionally, the ministry flagged a transaction of INR 3.35 lakh labeled as a foreign contribution from Wangchuk, which did not appear in the FCRA accounts, violating Section 18 of the same Act.
The ministry also raised concerns about another amount of INR 54,600, categorized as local funds mistakenly deposited into the FCRA accounts, revealing inconsistencies in SECMOL’s financial reporting.
Funds received from Sweden, approximating INR 4.93 lakh, intended for raising awareness among youth on topics including migration, climate change, food security, and organic farming, also faced scrutiny. The ministry firmly stated that contributions intended for studies about national sovereignty contradict national interests and cannot be accepted under the Act.
In light of these discrepancies, the ministry has invoked its authority under Section 14 of the FCRA to annul SECMOL’s licence. The cancellation order highlights a series of financial irregularities that led to this significant action.
Earlier today, in response to the suspension of SECMOL’s license, Sonam Wangchuk expressed profound concern, alleging that the government is constructing a case against him to justify his detention. He has been a prominent advocate for statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, making his activism a matter of public interest.
“I see they are building up a case to bring me under the Public Safety Act and throw me in jail for two years,” Wangchuk stated. Despite expressing readiness to face potential imprisonment, he warned that incarcerating him might result in more complications for the authorities than allowing him to remain free.
Wangchuk’s commitment to advocating for Ladakh amidst governmental scrutiny reflects his dedication to the issues facing the region. As he continues to navigate these challenges, the situation surrounding SECMOL and its FCRA license serves as a vital intersection of activism, governance, and national policy, highlighting the complex landscape of foreign funding in Indian NGOs.
