NEW DELHI, Sep 25: The Union Home Ministry has revoked the FCRA licence of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), founded by renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The cancellation takes effect immediately, as detailed in an official government order.
The ministry acted on the basis of multiple reported discrepancies within SECMOL’s financial practices. This includes a contested transfer of funds from Sweden, which authorities alleged violates national interest. The Home Ministry ordered this revocation on Thursday, marking a significant development in regulatory scrutiny of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India.
SECMOL, which had received permission to accept foreign contributions to support educational and cultural initiatives, now faces serious operational challenges. Wangchuk also established the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), which is currently under a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry for alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
Prior to this decision, the Home Ministry issued a show-cause notice to SECMOL, requesting explanations for discrepancies in its accounts. Reports indicate that in the fiscal year 2021-22, Wangchuk deposited Rs 3.5 lakh into SECMOL’s FCRA account, which the ministry claims contravenes Section 17 of the Act.
According to SECMOL’s response, the deposited amount derived from the sale of an old bus purchased with FCRA funds on July 14, 2015. The organisation maintained that proceeds from assets acquired through FCRA funds must be deposited in the same account, as per FCRA guidelines.
However, the ministry rebutted SECMOL’s argument, stating that the funds had been received in cash without proper disclosure, also citing an additional Rs 3.35 lakh classified as foreign contribution from Wangchuk, which was not recorded in the FCRA account. This lack of proper documentation raises further questions regarding transparency in SECMOL’s financial operations.
Moreover, the ministry flagged a local fund transfer of Rs 54,600 made to SECMOL’s FCRA account, which the organization claimed was an inadvertent mistake. The ministry reviewed yet another foreign contribution from Sweden, amounting to approximately Rs 4.93 lakh, intended to promote awareness among youth on critical issues including climate change and food security.
Despite SECMOL’s assertion that such foreign funds were utilized in alignment with its educational mission, the ministry rejected this claim. It firmly stated that funding for studies on national sovereignty contradicts the FCRA provisions and may jeopardize national interests.
In its order issued on Thursday, the Home Ministry invoked its authority under Section 14 of the FCRA to cancel the organisation’s licence promptly. This cancellation marks a pivotal moment in the government’s ongoing scrutiny of NGOs operating in India, particularly those involved with foreign funding.
Responding to this decision, Sonam Wangchuk expressed concern over what he perceives as a governmental effort to construct a legal case against him. He alleged that the government aims to incarcerate him under laws like the Public Safety Act, citing personal safety alarms. “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 explained.
He further remarked, “I am ready for that, but Sonam Wangchuk in jail may cause them more problems than free Sonam Wangchuk.” His ongoing campaigns advocate for statehood and constitutional rights for Ladakh, a region that has seen substantial socio-political upheaval in recent years.
The developments surrounding SECMOL and Wangchuk underscore the tension between governmental regulations and civil society organisations in India. Experts suggest that these actions could lead to increased challenges for NGOs requiring international funding, raising broader questions regarding governance and civic freedoms.
