No New Projects for Ladakh’s Heritage Under Key Cultural Schemes, Centre Tells Parliament

SRINAGAR: Despite its rich trans-Himalayan heritage and growing demand for cultural preservation, the Union Territory of Ladakh has not been included under the Government of India’s flagship heritage development schemes like “Adopt a Heritage” 2.0 or the “PRASHAD” tourism programme, the Ministry of Culture has confirmed in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Responding to Unstarred Question No. 1286 raised by MP Mohmad Haneefa on July 28, 2025, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that although 15 monuments in Ladakh are under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), no project has yet been sanctioned for the region under the “Adopt a Heritage” or “PRASHAD” schemes. The ASI, he noted, continues to carry out routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs at these protected sites.

These revelations come even as ancient monasteries like Hemis, Diskit, and Lamayuru continue to draw pilgrims and tourists, and as local stakeholders call for more integrated development efforts to both conserve and promote Ladakh’s fragile yet vibrant heritage.

The Minister did acknowledge ongoing efforts in cultural preservation through institutions like the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) in Leh. CIBS, a deemed university under the Ministry of Culture, promotes the Ladakhi language and folk traditions and offers certificates and master’s programmes inthe Bhoti language and literature. Additionally, it has been involved in the conservation and documentation of manuscripts under the National Mission for Manuscripts—now renamed the Gyan Bharatam Mission—since 2003.

The Sahitya Akademi has also extended recognition to Ladakhi literature by awarding the Bhasha Samman in 1998 and 2015. However, Ladakhi is not among the 24 officially recognised Indian languages under the Akademi’s primary mandate.

While the government operates seven zonal cultural centres across India for the promotion of regional art forms—including those from Ladakh—there is currently no proposal to establish a dedicated regional cultural centre or museum in Leh or Kargil, the Ministry stated.

The absence of new projects or regional institutions has disappointed many in Ladakh, who see cultural heritage as central not only to identity but also to economic development through sustainable tourism and education. With the region navigating rapid environmental and social changes, stakeholders say heritage-linked initiatives must keep pace with both preservation needs and local aspirations.