New Delhi, Sep 25: The Union Home Ministry has cancelled the FCRA licence of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), founded by renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, with immediate effect. This decision comes as the government acts on multiple alleged financial discrepancies found within the organisation’s accounts.
The ministry noted that a foreign fund transfer from Sweden raised red flags, prompting the cancellation as it allegedly undermined national interest. SECMOL had received permission to collect foreign contributions for cultural and educational initiatives, casting doubt on its operational integrity following this recent development.
In addition to SECMOL, Wangchuk also established the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), which is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for purported violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
Previously, the ministry issued a show-cause notice to SECMOL, demanding explanations regarding discrepancies observed within its financial practices. Reports indicate that, for the financial year 2021-2022, Wangchuk deposited Rs 3.5 lakh into the organisation’s FCRA account, which allegedly violates the provisions of Section 17 of the Act.
SECMOL representatives claimed these funds represented the proceeds from the sale of an old bus purchased using FCRA funds in 2015. The organisation argued that, according to guidelines, any proceeds from assets created with FCRA funds must revert to the same account.
The ministry countered these claims, asserting that the amounts were received in cash and not adequately disclosed in the organisation’s replies. Furthermore, it highlighted that a sum of Rs 3.35 lakh was reported as a foreign contribution from Wangchuk, yet this transaction did not appear in SECMOL’s FCRA accounts, which is a clear violation of Section 18 of the Act.
The government also flagged a transfer of Rs 54,600 in local funds to SECMOL’s FCRA accounts, which the organisation claimed resulted from a clerical error. In addition, a substantial foreign contribution from Sweden—approximately Rs 4.93 lakh designated for workshops focused on migration, climate change, and other critical issues—remains under scrutiny.
Despite SECMOL’s insistence that these funds aimed solely at educational initiatives, the ministry has categorically dismissed this justification. The government asserted that foreign contributions geared towards discussing the nation’s sovereignty contradict national interests, further deepening concerns about SECMOL’s financial governance.
In its Thursday order, the Home Ministry invoked its authority under Section 14 of the FCRA to revoke the licence immediately, citing various inconsistencies in the organisation’s finances. This decisive action raises questions about the future of SECMOL and its role in addressing pressing ecological and educational challenges in Ladakh.
Reacting to the cancellation, Sonam Wangchuk expressed alarm that the government is allegedly fabricating a case against him, aiming to imprison him under the controversial Public Safety Act. He voiced concerns over his personal safety amidst ongoing protests advocating for statehood and constitutional protections for Ladakh.
Wangchuk stated, “I see they are building up a case to bring me under the Public Safety Act and 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.” His statements reflect a growing unease among activists advocating for regional rights, amidst increasing government scrutiny.
