New Delhi, Sep 25: The Union Home Ministry has cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), which climate activist Sonam Wangchuk founded. This action will take effect immediately, according to a government order.
The ministry’s decision follows an investigation that revealed discrepancies in SECMOL’s financial records, including an unapproved fund transfer from Sweden that the ministry deemed detrimental to “national interest.” Wangchuk’s organisation, established to undertake cultural and educational initiatives, has now had its foreign funding capabilities severely restricted.
In addition to SECMOL, Wangchuk founded the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), which is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged violations of the FCRA. This situation adds a layer of complexity to an already tense atmosphere regarding foreign contributions in India’s non-profit sector.
The Home Ministry had previously issued a show-cause notice to SECMOL, demanding clarifications on various financial irregularities. Reports from the ministry indicated that during the financial year 2021-22, Wangchuk deposited ₹3.5 lakh into SECMOL’s FCRA account in violation of Section 17 of the Act. SECMOL claimed this amount stemmed from the sale of an old bus obtained with FCRA funds. However, the ministry indicates that cash deposits violate the prescribed guidelines.
The ministry further noted that SECMOL acknowledged receiving ₹3.35 lakh as foreign contribution from Wangchuk. However, this transaction does not appear in the official FCRA account, constituting a breach of Section 18 of the Act.
Another financial issue comes from a local transfer of ₹54,600 into SECMOL’s FCRA accounts, which the organisation described as an error. Alongside these discrepancies, the ministry is investigating a foreign contribution from Sweden amounting to ₹4.93 lakh earmarked for workshops on migration, climate change, global warming, food security, sovereignty, and organic farming.
The ministry firmly rejected SECMOL’s argument that these funds were exclusively allocated for educational purposes, stating that contributions aimed at studying national sovereignty cannot be accepted due to concerns over “national interest.”
In its order, the ministry cited multiple accounting discrepancies. Consequently, it invoked its powers under Section 14 of the FCRA, leading to the suspension of SECMOL’s licence without delay.
Earlier on the same day, Sonam Wangchuk expressed fears regarding his safety. He alleged that the government is devising a case against him to potentially incarcerate him under the Public Safety Act. He claimed, “I see they are building a case to throw me in jail for two years. I am ready for that, but Sonam Wangchuk in jail may cause them more problems than free Sonam Wangchuk.”
As tensions rise, observers are closely monitoring the situation for broader implications regarding foreign contributions to NGOs in India, especially those that engage in activities deemed critical of the government.
