New Delhi, Sep 25: The Union Home Ministry cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, effective immediately. This decision stems from alleged financial irregularities within the organization’s accounts, including a questionable fund transfer from Sweden.
Government officials stated that the ministry found significant discrepancies that warranted immediate action. SECMOL was authorized to accept foreign contributions to support cultural and educational programs. However, the recent audit uncovered violations that the ministry claims are contrary to national interests.
The order highlights specific accusations against SECMOL, including a financial transaction during the financial year 2021-22 where Wangchuk reportedly deposited Rs 3.5 lakh into the organization’s FCRA account, which purportedly contravenes Section 17 of the Act.
In its explanation, SECMOL stated that the money came from the sale of an old bus acquired with FCRA funds, emphasizing that proceeds from assets bought with such funds must be deposited back into the FCRA account.
However, the ministry reasserted that the cash amount and its disclosure practices did not adhere to the stipulated guidelines. “An additional transaction involving Rs 3.35 lakh was identified as a foreign contribution from Sonam Wangchuk, yet this was not accurately documented within the FCRA account, violating Section 18 of the Act,” the order detailed.
Moreover, the ministry flagged a local fund transfer of Rs 54,600 into the FCRA accounts that SECMOL administrators claimed was an error. The scrutiny also encompassed a foreign contribution totaling approximately Rs 4.93 lakh from Sweden, intended for workshops on migration, climate change, and organic farming.
The Home Ministry dismissed SECMOL’s argument that these funds were solely for educational initiatives, asserting that contributions related to national sovereignty cannot be accepted, which they viewed as detrimental to national interests.
In light of these findings, the ministry invoked Section 14 of the FCRA to terminate SECMOL’s license without delay, reflecting serious concerns regarding the organisation’s financial integrity.
Wangchuk voiced his apprehensions about the government’s actions, suggesting that this cancellation is part of a broader effort to undermine his activism. He mentioned a personal threat to his safety, claiming that authorities are building a case to imprison him under the Public Safety Act.
“I am prepared for that, but keeping Sonam Wangchuk in jail may create more issues for the government than allowing me to remain free,” he remarked, expressing his commitment to advocating for statehood and constitutional protections for Ladakh.
This development raises critical questions about the regulatory frameworks governing foreign contributions in India and their implications for organizations devoted to social upliftment and environmental advocacy. As stakeholders navigate these complex legal landscapes, the need for transparency and compliance remains paramount.
