Leh | September 26, 2025 — The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a formal inquiry into alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) by the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), an innovative education and sustainability-focused institution founded by renowned education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk.
The investigation was officially initiated on September 24, 2025, following the cancellation of HIAL’s FCRA license by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The license had previously allowed the institute to receive funding from international donors to support its activities in education, environmental conservation, and sustainable development in the ecologically fragile Ladakh region.
CBI to Examine Use of Foreign Funds
According to officials, the CBI will assess whether HIAL adhered to the regulations laid out under the FCRA and whether the foreign contributions were used for legitimate and declared purposes. Misuse or diversion of such funds can result in legal consequences, including freezing of accounts and criminal prosecution under FCRA provisions.
HIAL has received substantial attention and acclaim over the years for its alternative approach to education, particularly in high-altitude and climate-challenged regions. The institute’s international profile has brought in global support — both financial and collaborative — making the FCRA status vital for its operations.
Sonam Wangchuk Responds
In response to the inquiry, Sonam Wangchuk has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that HIAL operates transparently and within legal frameworks. He has claimed that the timing and nature of the probe are politically motivated, coming amid increasing unrest and demands for greater autonomy in Ladakh.
“Our institute has always been open, accountable, and driven by the well-being of Ladakh and the Himalayas. We welcome any fair investigation,” Wangchuk said in a statement.
Rising Political Tensions in Ladakh
The CBI probe coincides with a period of heightened political activity in the region. Since Ladakh was separated from Jammu & Kashmir and made a Union Territory without a legislature in 2019, local communities have been demanding constitutional safeguards, including:
Statehood
Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule for tribal and cultural protection
Land and job security for indigenous people
Sonam Wangchuk has been at the forefront of these movements, gaining national and international attention for peaceful protests, environmental advocacy, and a recent 21-day hunger strike calling for legislative and constitutional recognition for Ladakh.
Critics argue that the FCRA action could be an attempt to clamp down on dissent, while government sources maintain that the investigation is strictly based on regulatory concerns.
What’s Next?
The CBI is expected to collect documents, review financial records, and possibly question staff and trustees of HIAL in the coming weeks. While the investigation is still in early stages, it has already raised concerns among civil society groups, environmentalists, and academic communities both in India and abroad.
Observers say the outcome of this probe could have far-reaching consequences — not just for HIAL, but for activism, civil liberties, and NGO operations in the Himalayan region.
