A major administrative shift in Ladakh has triggered political unease, after the Centre revised the delegation of financial powers in the Union Territory, removing the authority earlier vested in the Lieutenant-Governor and senior officials. Under the new structure, all project-related financial approvals, irrespective of size will now be sanctioned exclusively by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, effectively centralising Ladakh&rsquo;s fiscal decision-making.
The move has drawn strong resistance from Ladakh&rsquo;s own BJP unit. A delegation led by state BJP president Tashi Khachu and senior leaders Tashi Gyalson and Tonyot Tashi met BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh in New Delhi, urging the party leadership to intervene. They demanded reinstatement of the L-G&rsquo;s powers to ensure timely rollout of welfare schemes, smoother administrative functioning and restoration of the Capex budget, which they argue is crucial for ongoing development work.
Further adding to the local concerns, former BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal separately met L-G Kavinder Gupta, seeking exclusive reservation of tenders up to ₹20 crore for Ladakh-registered contractors. The representation came amid broader demands for safeguarding Ladakh&rsquo;s demographic and economic interests, following recent moves such as 85% job reservation for local residents and expanded women&rsquo;s representation in Hill Development Councils.
Opposition voices have also criticised the Centre&rsquo;s decision. Ladakh Congress leaders termed the move a fresh blow to Ladakh&rsquo;s autonomy, arguing that while people are demanding Sixth Schedule protections and a legislature, the existing administrative powers are being steadily diluted. Calling the decision &ldquo;unfortunate,&rdquo; they questioned whether such centralisation would ever be imposed on any other state or Union Territory.

BJP’s Ladakh unit protests Centre’s takeover of all financial approvals in the UT

Centre’s Move Sparks Ladakh Power Row

BJP’s Ladakh unit protests Centre’s takeover of all financial approvals in the UT

December 10, 2025 | 11:30 IST