Questions HAIL’s credibility over lack of UGC/AICTE recognition
Leh, Aug 26: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Tashi Gyalson of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh has dismissed allegations regarding the cancellation of land allotted to the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HAIL), describing them as “misleading” and “aimed at manipulating public opinion.”
Addressing the media, Gyalson said the decision to cancel HAIL’s land allotment was taken by the district administration following due process, not arbitrarily by the Council.
Gyalson explained that in 2018, land was granted to HAIL on a 40-year lease with conditions, including payment of the premium within one year and registration of the lease deed. These conditions, he said, were never met.
“The lease stood cancelled in 2019 itself as the premium was never deposited and the lease was never registered. Despite extensions, HAIL failed to comply, and later even sought waiver of dues, which was not permissible,” Gyalson said.
Following complaints and procedural lapses, he said, the administration formally revoked the allotment. “It is misleading to project this as a Council decision. The Council allots land; compliance and execution lie with the administration,” he clarified.
The CEC directly questioned the credibility of HAIL, led by Sonam Wangchuk. “Since 2018, the institute has not registered with UGC or AICTE, yet it has been issuing diplomas and conducting convocations. This raises serious concerns,” he remarked.
He added that Wangchuk bypassed the Council on the issue. “If he had approached us formally, matters could have been resolved. Instead, he went directly to the DC and is now blaming the Council,” Gyalson said, accusing him of using public sentiment to avoid payment of ₹27 crore in lease dues.
Gyalson also took aim at the opposition Congress, accusing it of double standards. “Instead of raising the issue in the General Council, they chose to politicise it through press conferences and social media. Their silence on earlier land and wildlife issues exposes their hypocrisy,” he charged.
Reaffirming his stance on protecting Ladakh’s land and jobs, Gyalson declared: “I will not allow misuse of people’s land. Safeguards will be secured constitutionally, and if not, I will be the first to sit on a hunger strike.”
He further asserted that no individual or organization should monopolise credit for Ladakh’s struggles. “Many groups are working for Ladakh’s interests. This cause belongs to the people, not one institution,” he said.
Concluding with a warning against misinformation, Gyalson said: “People must investigate facts before believing hearsay. Ladakh’s future cannot be put at risk for the interests of one individual.”
He also reminded the opposition that their recognition in the Council was his prerogative. “I granted them the status of Leader of Opposition. Given their conduct, they no longer deserve it — I will withdraw it,” he warned.
