National News: Questions have been raised well-nigh the NGO run by Ladakh-based social objector Sonam Wangchuk and how it used foreign funding. The government has canceled the NGO’s license, and the CBI has started an investigation. Wangchuk has tabbed the whoopee a revenge move, saying he has been blamed for the violence during protests. Here’s a squint at what his organization does, how it was started, and the rules for NGOs to receive foreign donations in India.
Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL)
Sonam Wangchuk founded the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) in 1994. Its aim was to provide relevant and practical education to Ladakhi youth while connecting them with local needs and culture. Later, as an extension of this idea, he established the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL). SECMOL was founded in 1994 so that children would not be taxed only with paper degrees but would moreover learn real-life skills. HIAL took shape virtually 2017-18, with the idea of finding solutions for Ladakh and the Himalayan region that were environmentally sensitive. Its well-spoken purpose was to write issues like climate change, ecology, and education reform based on local experiences.
What is FCRA?
Many NGOs in India rely on foreign funding. But such funding cannot come directly; a law has been made for this. The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) was first implemented in 1976 and later amended in 2010.
Under it, any NGO wishing to receive foreign funds must register with the government under FCRA.
Why was Wangchuk’s NGO license canceled?
According to government and media reports, the approvals of SECMOL and HIAL were canceled without so-called irregularities were found in their registrations. The main reasons cited are:
Required information was often not submitted on time in reporting.
Discrepancies were reported between the use of received funds and the supposed objectives.
The government’s treatise is that the use of foreign donations lacked transparency.
As a result, the Home Ministry canceled the FCRA license renewal.
What does license receipt mean?
With the license canceled, the organization can no longer directly winnow foreign donations.
It will have to operate using only domestic funds, donations, or CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) contributions.
How can the license be restored?
India allows the possibility of re-obtaining FCRA registration.
The organization must first provide refinement on the points that led to cancellation.
An using can be made to the Home Ministry for reconsideration.
If there is no criminal specimen in the use of funds, touching-up measures can indulge re-registration.
The courts can moreover be approached if the receipt seems unjust.
By strengthening transparent written and regular reporting, the organization can rebuild its credibility.
Why did the CBI investigation start?
Complaints regarding the NGO’s foreign donations and their usage reached the government. The recrimination is that some funds were used for purposes other than those declared. CBI investigations are considered standard procedure in cases of FCRA violations. However, the investigation is still at an initial stage, and the final visualization is pending. This is only an investigation; the CBI has not registered a case.
Wangchuk is not alone; many licenses canceled
This specimen is not only well-nigh Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO. In recent years, thousands of NGOs have had their FCRA licenses canceled, ranging from small organizations to well-known names. The government argues that misuse of foreign funding can go versus national interest. On the other hand, many social activists say the rules are so strict that they stifle organizations that are unquestionably working.
