New Delhi, Sep 25: The Union Home Ministry has officially cancelled the FCRA licence of Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The cancellation takes effect immediately, a government order confirmed on Thursday.
The ministry’s action stems from several alleged financial discrepancies noted within the organisation’s accounts, including an unauthorized fund transfer from Sweden that the government deemed against national interest. This represents a significant turning point for SECMOL, which was previously licensed to accept foreign contributions for cultural and educational programs.
In addition to SECMOL, Wangchuk also founded the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), which currently faces a CBI inquiry related to alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
Earlier, the home ministry had issued a show-cause notice to SECMOL, requesting clarifications on the irregularities detected in its financing. Reports indicate that during the financial year 2021-22, Wangchuk deposited Rs 3.5 lakh into the association’s FCRA account, which the ministry claims is a violation of Section 17 of the Act.
SECMOL explained that this amount resulted from the sale proceeds of an old bus, initially acquired using FCRA funds in 2015. The organisation argued that any asset procured with FCRA funds must have its sale proceeds deposited back into the same account as per FCRA guidelines. However, the ministry indicated that the funds were received in cash, which raised serious concerns regarding compliance and transparency.
The ministry’s review highlighted further irregularities, particularly concerning a donation of Rs 3.35 lakh reportedly received from Wangchuk. The ministry stated that this transaction is not reflected in the FCRA account, effectively breaching Section 18 of the Act.
Moreover, a transfer of Rs 54,600 from local funds into the FCRA account was flagged by the ministry, despite the organisation’s claims that it was an administrative error.
Additionally, a foreign contribution of approximately Rs 4.93 lakh from Sweden aimed at enhancing awareness among youth on pressing issues like migration, climate change, and food security, has also come under scrutiny. The home ministry has contended that foreign contributions cannot be accepted for studies examining nation sovereignty, which it considers a violation of national interests.
The cancellation of SECMOL’s FCRA licence under Section 14 of the FCRA has drawn significant attention. The home ministry cited that several discrepancies have prompted this serious measure, thereby blocking the organisation’s ability to accept foreign funds.
Reacting to the decision, Sonam Wangchuk expressed his concerns that the government is orchestrating a case against him to silence his activism. Wangchuk, who has been a vocal advocate for statehood and constitutional protections for Ladakh, raised alarms about his personal safety amid these developments.
“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, highlighting his readiness to face potential incarceration. He remarked, “But Sonam Wangchuk in jail may cause them more problems than free Sonam Wangchuk.”
