Leh, Aug 4: The Ladakh Administration has referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) alleged irregularities in the registration and functioning of the Ladakh Women Cooperative Society Ltd after an examination of official records raised questions over its formation and subsequent activities.
According to officials, the General Administration Department, in a letter dated July 30 to the MHA, stated that the society was registered when IAS officer Prasanna Ramaswamy was serving as the Registrar of Cooperative Societies in Ladakh.
Official records reportedly show that Ramaswamy and his spouse, Abhilasha Bahuguna, were listed as co-founder members of the society. As the society’s Articles of Association designated the Deputy Commissioner of Leh as its ex-officio chairman, Ramaswamy also served as its chairman during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner between 2015 and 2017.
The administration has said departmental records do not indicate that prior approval from the competent authority was obtained for such an association. Ramaswamy is presently serving as Commissioner and Secretary (Tribal Affairs) in the Jammu and Kashmir government.
The letter further noted that the cooperative society received grants, institutional support and financial assistance from both government and non-government sources, including NABARD and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The administration also questioned the society’s application for registration of “Ladakh Pashmina Textiles” as a Geographical Indication (GI), stating that official records do not show approval from the competent authority despite claims to the contrary. An examination report issued by the GI Registry in September 2025 had also pointed out deficiencies and recommended a broader institutional framework before the application could proceed.
Officials said the findings have now been placed before the Ministry of Home Affairs for consideration and appropriate action.
