New Delhi, Sep 25: The Union Home Ministry has cancelled the FCRA licence of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), an organization founded by renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, with immediate effect. This decision came after the ministry discovered alleged irregularities in the organisation’s financial practices.

The ministry’s action stems from discrepancies detected in SECMOL’s accounts, notably a controversial fund transfer from Sweden deemed against “national interest.” The order detailed that the ministry had previously issued a show-cause notice to SECMOL regarding these financial irregularities, particularly relating to foreign contributions.

SECMOL, established to promote cultural and educational initiatives in Ladakh, had received approval to accept foreign donations. However, scrutiny of their financial records revealed concerns. Reports indicate that during the fiscal year 2021-22, Wangchuk deposited ₹3.5 lakh into the association’s FCRA account improperly, a move violating Section 17 of the FCRA.

In response to these allegations, SECMOL clarified that this amount stemmed from the sale of an old bus, purchased with funds obtained through FCRA donations. They stated that any proceeds from selling assets acquired via foreign funding should be directed back into the FCRA account.

However, the ministry contested this explanation, citing that the funds were received in cash and therefore not adequately disclosed. The order stated, “an amount of ₹3.35 lakh has been reported by SECMOL as a foreign contribution from Sonam Wangchuk, yet this transaction is absent from the FCRA account, which is a violation of Section 18 of the Act.”

In another alarming discovery, the ministry flagged a transfer of ₹54,600, which SECMOL described as an error in depositing local funds into its FCRA account. Additionally, a sizeable foreign contribution of approx ₹4.93 lakh from Sweden aimed at raising awareness on migration, climate change, and food security is still under investigation.

The Union Home Ministry has rejected SECMOL’s defense arguing that foreign contributions for studies involving national sovereignty violate public interest. As a result, the ministry invoked its powers under Section 14 of the FCRA to promptly revoke SECMOL’s licence.

Following the cancellation, Sonam Wangchuk expressed concerns over the government’s motives, asserting that they are attempting to fabricate allegations against him. Wangchuk, who has led efforts advocating for statehood and constitutional rights for the people of Ladakh, warned of potential personal repercussions.

“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 in a recent interview. “I am ready for that, but Sonam Wangchuk in jail may cause them more problems than a free Sonam Wangchuk,” he added.

This situation raises significant questions regarding the intersection of activism, funding, and national interests in India’s socio-political landscape. With international scrutiny on NGOs and their funding sources, the case of SECMOL highlights the evolving challenges faced by non-profits operating under foreign contribution regulations.

NEW DELHI: A disturbing report released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation indicates that over a third of India’s children aged 5 to 9 years could have high triglycerides. The prevalence rates emerge from statistical analyses conducted through various health surveys and highlight regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, and northeastern states as having the highest incidence of this health risk.

Statistics show a staggering 67.2% of children in West Bengal are projected to have elevated triglycerides levels. Similarly, Sikkim reports around 64% of its children affected, accompanied by 55% in Nagaland, 57% in Assam, and 50% in Jammu and Kashmir. These findings raise significant concerns about the long-term health implications for a significant portion of the child population, as high triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease in adulthood.

In contrast, Kerala and Maharashtra stand out as states with lower prevalence rates. Here, just 16.6% of children in Kerala and 19.1% in Maharashtra were reported to have elevated triglyceride levels. This stark difference underscores the need for targeted public health initiatives in areas with higher risks.

The report, titled ‘Children in India 2025,’ is the fourth edition of the series since its inception in 2008. It was unveiled during the 29th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organisations (CoCSSO) held in Chandigarh on September 25. The ministry described the report as providing “a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the well-being of children in the country.”

To compile the data for this report, officials utilized information gathered from various governmental health surveys, including the National Family Health Survey 2019-21 and Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2016-18. This rigorous data collection highlights critical areas of concern regarding the health and well-being of children across India.

Moreover, the findings extend beyond triglyceride levels. The report identifies prematurity and low birth weight as major causes of infant mortality within the first 29 days of life, with a national prevalence of approximately 48%. Additionally, birth asphyxia and trauma during birth, along with pneumonia, rank as the second and third leading causes with prevalence rates of 16% and 9%, respectively. These aspects underline the necessity for enhanced maternal and infant healthcare services.

As the report further explores adolescent health, it classifies around 5% of the teenage population in India as hypertensive. The highest rates of hypertension appear in Delhi (10%), followed closely by Uttar Pradesh (8.6%), Manipur (8.3%), and Chhattisgarh (7%). Worryingly, over 16% of adolescents also exhibit high triglyceride levels, indicating a growing trend of non-communicable diseases among the youth.

Apart from health statistics, the report delves into education statistics, revealing that approximately 63.1% of India’s children and adolescents are literate. For those aged seven and above, the literacy rate climbs to 73.1%. Notably, literacy rates vary across genders; over 80% of boys aged 7-9 are literate, while 81.2% of girls in the same age group also achieve literacy.

This comprehensive report not only sheds light on alarming health metrics related to high triglycerides in children but also highlights broader issues of education and physical well-being that call for urgent governmental attention and resource allocation.

The Congress party emphasized the urgent need for the Indian government to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the people of Ladakh in the wake of violent protests demanding statehood. This statement came after disturbances on Wednesday resulted in four fatalities and over 90 injuries.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh, articulated the sentiments of the people, noting that their expectations have dimmed significantly since the Union Territory of Ladakh was formed six years ago. “There has been massive disappointment and disenchantment among the people,” stated Ramesh.

In his remarks on social media platform X, Ramesh underscored that the local populace faces serious threats to their land and employment rights. He criticized the government’s top-down approach, wherein local administration and elected bodies have fallen under the control of the Lieutenant Governor and bureaucratic entities.

He pointed out that while there have been numerous meetings concerning their legitimate demands, including requests for protections under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and an elected legislature, no tangible action has followed. The need for a robust governmental commitment has never been more critical.

Furthermore, Ramesh raised concerns regarding the national security implications resulting from China’s actions and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to those actions. “There is great uncertainty caused by China’s unilateral abrogation of the status quo on the Line of Actual Control,” he remarked.

Ladakh holds profound cultural, economic, ecological, and strategic significance for India. Ramesh reiterated the patriotic spirit of Ladakh’s residents, stating, “The people of Ladakh have, at all times, been proud Indians to their very core.” He urged the central government to act decisively to address their needs and aspirations.

After the protests turned violent, an uneasy calm returned to Ladakh as police and paramilitary forces imposed a strict curfew in Leh. Authorities reported detaining at least 50 individuals in connection with the unrest that ensued during the shutdown organized by the Leh Apex Body, which advocated for extending constitutional protections and statehood for Ladakh.

In conclusion, the Congress party’s demand for immediate action from the government reflects the growing frustrations of the people of Ladakh. As protests persist and the situation develops, it remains vital for the government to prioritize the voices and concerns of this significant region.