Leh: Even as Ladakh MP Mohammad Haneefa Jan intensifies pressure on the Centre in Delhi for statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, LAHDC Leh Vice Chairman Tsering Angchuk has publicly raised concerns about the potential consequences of such a move.
In a strongly worded social media post, Angchuk described the demand for statehood as emotionally appealing but warned that it could be practically disastrous for Ladakh. Citing the region’s limited internal revenue generation, he said that the burden of running a full-fledged state would fall directly on the people through taxation.
He argued that with no large industries, trade hubs or substantial tax collection mechanisms, Ladakh’s dependency on central funding is currently its financial backbone. According to Angchuk, statehood could drastically reduce that support, leaving thousands of government employees vulnerable to salary cuts and delays.
The post highlighted the broader implications for public welfare. Angchuk warned that sectors like health, education, irrigation and infrastructure could face severe setbacks. Many centrally sponsored schemes, he said, might be scrapped or slowed down due to lack of funds.
He also hinted that political dynamics could shift unfavourably. He claimed that while statehood might benefit certain powerful groups in Kargil, remote areas such as Nubra, Changthang, and Zanskar could become politically marginalised.
Raising the spectre of increased political manipulation, corruption, and regional rifts, Angchuk questioned whether the people of Ladakh were prepared for the economic and administrative responsibilities of a state.
He concluded his message with a stark reminder: if statehood becomes reality, taxation will directly affect the public. He urged the people to reflect not just emotionally but rationally on the long-term consequences of this demand.
