Leh Apex Body Says Delhi Has Taken Powers Ladakh Held Under Jammu Kashmir | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Co-chairman of the Leh Apex Body, Chering Dorjay, on Tuesday said Ladakh has less autonomy today as a Union Territory than it did under the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, accusing the Union Government of centralising authority and weakening local institutions.

Dorjay said the Hill Development Councils exercised greater functional freedom before August 2019. “Autonomy under the former state of Jammu and Kashmir was far better than what we are experiencing now. We have lost control over our own decisions, and there is increasing interference from Delhi,” he said. He, however, acknowledged that Ladakh receives more funds as a Union Territory than it did earlier.

Dorjay’s remarks follow growing discontent over the recent withdrawal of financial powers from the local administration. Under the new order, the Lieutenant Governor cannot approve projects up to Rs 100 crore, while Administrative Secretaries have lost authority to clear proposals up to Rs 20 crore. Departmental heads, including Chief Engineers, Deputy Commissioners and Superintending Engineers, have also been stripped of powers to sanction works ranging between Rs 3 crore and Rs 10 crore.

All financial approvals will now be routed through the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The directive, issued by Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on instructions from the Home Ministry, has triggered sharp criticism from Ladakh’s political and social leadership.

“Instead of strengthening local institutions, they have taken away every remaining power we had,” Dorjay said.

He warned that shifting financial clearance to Delhi would delay key development works in a region already constrained by harsh terrain and limited working months. “We have barely six months of workable weather. Delays mean unfinished projects and risk of funds lapsing,” he said.

Ladakh became a Union Territory in August 2019 following the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. While the move was initially welcomed, leaders now say the absence of an elected government and increasing centralisation have fuelled disillusionment.

“We were not consulted before our financial autonomy was taken away. Decisions were imposed without discussion,” Dorjay said, adding that the new mechanism would slow development and deepen political alienation. (KNT)