Leh: Ladakh is set to emerge as India’s renewable energy hub with 11 GW of solar projects and multiple hydroelectric projects underway, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta announced while addressing the 79th Independence Day celebrations at Polo Ground in Leh.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to sustainable development, the LG said Ladakh’s natural resources provide the foundation for a clean energy revolution that will not only power the Union Territory but also contribute to India’s larger renewable energy goals.
In his address, the LG also spoke of sweeping socio-economic reforms, calling the 95% reservation in government jobs for local youth a “permanent shield” for future generations.
Over 1,600 posts have been advertised and 3,179 local youth appointed, with a one-time age relaxation of five years granted to compensate for recruitment delays post-UT formation.
Gupta underlined the administration’s focus on inclusive governance with the reservation of 33% seats for women in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils for the first time, terming it a historic step toward gender equality. Plans for creating five new districts—Nubra, Changthang, Sham, Zanskar, and Drass—were also announced to bring administration closer to people.
The LG declared Ladakh a 100% literate region and highlighted reforms in education, including the establishment of Sindhu Central University and collaborations with IITs. He said smart classrooms are now functional in all schools. On healthcare, he announced full immunisation coverage, expansion of hospital infrastructure, and the rollout of HPV vaccination for girls.
On the cultural front, Gupta said Bhoti and Purgi have been officially recognised as languages of Ladakh, while new policies for homestays and mountaineering will boost sustainable tourism.
The Independence Day function witnessed the LG, dressed in traditional Ladakhi Goncha, inspecting the parade, saluting contingents of security forces, police, NCC cadets, and students.
The IRP 25 Battalion female band performed alongside cultural troupes and schools. Mutahhary Public School Baroo Kargil was adjudged the best marching contingent, while Druk Padma Karpo School, Shey, claimed the top spot in cultural performances.
The event was attended by Chairman LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson; Deputy Chairman, Tsering Angchuk; Advisor to LG, Dr. Pawan Kotwal; ADGP Ladakh, Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal; DC Leh, Romil Singh Donk; SSP Leh, Shruti Arora; LAHDC councillors, officials from the Army, Ladakh Police, monks, heads of institutions, and citizens.
Concluding his address, the LG urged the people of Ladakh to unite for peace, prosperity, and progress, assuring that Ladakh will emerge as one of India’s most developed Union Territories.
