New Delhi, Sep 25: The Union Home Ministry has cancelled the FCRA license of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), founded by renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, effective immediately. This move comes after the discovery of alleged financial discrepancies linked to the organization.
The ministry’s action stems from a series of irregularities observed in SECMOL’s financial records, including a controversial fund transfer from Sweden. The government deemed this transfer detrimental to “national interests”.
SECMOL originally obtained its FCRA license to accept foreign contributions, aiming to advance cultural and educational initiatives in Ladakh. However, the ministry highlighted specific violations that sparked the suspension of its license.
Wangchuk’s SECMOL, along with the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL) he also founded, faces scrutiny amidst a broader CBI inquiry. This inquiry relates to similar alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
The Home Ministry had previously issued a show-cause notice to SECMOL, demanding clarifications on its financial management practices. Reports indicate that during the financial year 2021-22, Wangchuk deposited Rs 3.5 lakh into SECMOL’s FCRA account, which purportedly violated Section 17 of the Act.
In its defense, SECMOL explained that the deposited amount originated from the sale of an old bus acquired using FCRA funds in 2015. The organization contended that per the guidelines, such proceeds must be deposited into the FCRA account.
However, the ministry asserted that the cash amount received was not adequately disclosed and failed to comply with the Act. Additionally, the ministry pointed out that an amount of Rs 3.35 lakh, indicated as a foreign contribution from Wangchuk, did not appear in SECMOL’s FCRA records.
Another transaction raised further alarm — a questionable transfer of Rs 54,600 into the organization’s FCRA accounts, which SECMOL attributed to an error.
Most notably, the ministry flagged a foreign contribution of approximately Rs 4.93 lakh from Sweden aimed at educating youth about migration, climate change, and food security through workshops. Officials stated that such funding for discussing national sovereignty contradicts the stated objectives of SECMOL as a charitable and educational organization.
Rejecting SECMOL’s justification that the funds were strictly used for educational purposes, the ministry concluded that the foreign contributions could not be construed as aligned with the organization’s educational objectives. Therefore, the ministry invoked Section 14 of the FCRA, canceling the organization’s license.
In a press interaction on the same day, Wangchuk expressed concern over the continuing governmental scrutiny and suggested he was the target of a campaign to detain him. Wangchuk has prominently advocated for Ladakh’s statehood and constitutional protections.
“I see they are building up a case to bring me under the Public Safety Act and throw me in jail for two years,” he declared. Wangchuk’s defiance resonated as he stressed that having him jailed could lead to more significant unrest than if he remained free.
The cancellation of SECMOL’s FCRA license raises crucial questions about the Indian government’s stance on foreign contributions to educational organizations, particularly those focused on cultural and socio-environmental issues. As the legal situation unfolds, both SECMOL and Wangchuk remain at the center of an escalating debate on foreign funding and national interests in India.
