Ladakh representatives oppose Modi govt’s move to rename health centres
Leh: The elected representatives of Ladakh and an influential Buddhist organization in the region have strongly opposed the Modi-led Indian government’s move to rename the territory’ health centres as ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandirs’.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the move, initiated by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in November 2023, involves rebranding Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs with the tagline Arogyam Parmam Dhanam. However, despite the ministry’s directive to implement this change by December 31, 2023, the decision has faced significant resistance in Ladakh.
The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) has termed it as an affront to the sentiments of the people in the region. In letters addressed to the chief executive councillors of the Hill Councils in both Kargil and Leh districts, Chering Dorjey Lakrook, the president of LBA, said, “The order is unfortunate and tantamount to playing with the sentiments of the people of Ladakh”, adding that the use of religious names in government departments is unconstitutional and unacceptable.
The letters further said, “The Ladakh Buddhist Association therefore requests Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh (LAHDC-Leh) and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil (LAHDC-Kargil) to respect the sentiments of the people of Ladakh and take up the matter with the higher authorities concerned”.
The LAHDC-Leh councillors adopted a similar approach in their letters to the Chief Executive Councilors of both Leh and Kargil. They said, “We, the councillors of LAHDC Leh, urge you to take serious cognizance of the public sentiments being disturbed by the recent decision”. The councillors added, “We request you to take the matter, on behalf of the people….to the Lt Governor for considering repealing the order, keeping in mind the religious/cultural sentiments of the residents of Ladakh.”
Sajad Kargili, a leader of Kargil Democratic Alliance, also questioned the move and said, “The health institutions, serving as common resources for the people, require a locally accepted brand that respects the sentiments of all people. Public policies and scheme names should mirror the diverse intentions of the public, promoting inclusivity rather than favouring any particular belief system or community”. In his message to Ladakh LG BD Mishra, Kargili said, “We urge the consideration of the Ladakhi community’s demand and request to refrain from any branding or changes that incorporate names or symbols associated with a specific belief system on public properties, policies and institutions.”
