Leh, Sept 25: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) license of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), citing serious violations and irregular fund transfers. The cancellation is effective immediately, officials confirmed.
According to the MHA order, SECMOL, registered under FCRA for educational and cultural programs, was served a show-cause notice on August 20, 2025, followed by reminders in September. After reviewing the association’s response, the Ministry found multiple discrepancies.
The order pointed out that in FY 2021-22, Rs 3.35 lakh was deposited in SECMOL’s FCRA account. While the association claimed it was from the sale of an old bus, records listed it as a foreign donation from Sonam Wangchuk. The Ministry said this indicated cash transactions and improper disclosure, violating Section 17 of the Act.
Similarly, in FY 2020-21, local funds of Rs 54,600 were deposited into the FCRA account. SECMOL admitted it was contributed by Indian volunteers for food and accommodation but mistakenly credited to the wrong account. The Ministry noted this as a violation of FCRA guidelines.
The order also cited Rs 4.93 lakh received from a Swedish organization for youth education programs that included studies on sovereignty — deemed “against national interest” under Section 12(4) of the Act. Further, the association returned Rs 19,600 to an individual donor, which the Ministry said is not permitted under the law.
Additionally, Rs 79,200 deducted directly from staff salaries in FY 2020-21 was declared as foreign contribution but not deposited into the FCRA bank account, raising suspicions of financial mismanagement.
“In view of these violations, the FCRA registration of SECMOL stands cancelled with immediate effect,” the MHA order stated.
