Leh, In Ladakh, both elected representatives and an influential Buddhist organization have expressed strong opposition to the Indian government’s decision to rename local health centres as ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandirs’.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the initiative by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, announced in November 2023, sought to rebrand Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) under the new name by December 31, 2023. This move, however, has been met with significant resistance in the Ladakh region.

The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), headed by President Chering Dorjey Lakrook, has criticized the renaming as an infringement on the sentiments of the local population. The LBA’s letters to the chief executive councillors of Leh and Kargil districts argued that using religious names in government departments is both unconstitutional and unacceptable, urging the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils of Leh and Kargil to take the issue up with higher authorities.

Similarly, councillors of the LAHDC-Leh have written to the Chief Executive Councilors of both districts, reflecting public discontent with the decision and requesting its repeal to honor the religious and cultural sentiments of Ladakh’s residents.

Sajad Kargili, a leader of the Kargil Democratic Alliance, also raised objections to the government’s move. He emphasized that health institutions, being common resources, should have a brand name that is locally accepted and respectful of all communities. Kargili’s communication with Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor BD Mishra highlighted the community’s demand for inclusivity and against the incorporation of names or symbols associated with specific belief systems in public institutions.

These developments in Ladakh indicate a growing concern over government decisions perceived as disregarding the region’s cultural and religious diversity.