Leh: On the second day of his visit to Kargil, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, held an introductory meeting with the Councillors of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil and the Heads of Departments (HoDs) at the Conference Hall. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination among stakeholders and accelerating the pace of development in Ladakh.
LG Gupta reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him by the Prime Minister and the Government of India. He stressed that only through a unified effort by the UT Administration, elected representatives, and other key stakeholders can the aspirations of the people of Ladakh be truly realised.
He called for effective implementation and greater outreach of centrally-sponsored schemes such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, to build a more inclusive and educated society. Addressing the rising concerns around drug-related crimes, LG Gupta directed the Ladakh Police to take prompt action to reduce cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Highlighting the importance of timely execution of development projects, LG Gupta informed that he would personally monitor and review departmental progress to ensure efficiency and accountability.
During the meeting, the LG was briefed on various ongoing projects and developmental concerns through a detailed PowerPoint presentation. Chairman/CEC of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, reiterated key demands including the grant of district status to Sankoo and Shakar-Chiktan, non-lapsable developmental funds for Hill Councils, expansion and resumption of civil operations at Kargil Airport, and urgent recruitment drives to tackle youth unemployment.
Councillor Silmoo and former CEC Feroz Ahmed Khan highlighted the need to further empower LAHDC as an institution and implement a well-structured tourism policy for the region’s economic upliftment. Executive Councillor Phunsok Tashi called for an increase in the Capex budget and immediate commencement of operations at the Engineering College in Kargil.
In the separate meeting with Heads of Departments and District Officers, Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, IAS, delivered a detailed presentation on development initiatives across sectors. Senior Superintendent of Police Kargil, Shree Raam R, IPS, also presented key achievements and updates on law and order, safety, and public outreach activities of the Ladakh Police.
The meetings underscored the importance of collaborative governance, transparent project execution, and responsive administration for the equitable development of Ladakh.
