Author: The Dispatch Staff

Leh: In a major step towards sustainable agriculture and water conservation, the Union Territory of Ladakh has received the first tranche of ₹3.87 crore under the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) for the financial year 2025-26. The Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department has sanctioned the release of the funds in favour of the Director, Rural Development & PR, Ladakh. The amount will be further disbursed to the Project Managers (Assistant Commissioners Development) of Leh and Kargil to implement approved watershed development projects in both districts. This funding aims to boost Ladakh’s…

Leh: In a significant move to streamline appointments to top legal posts, the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh has notified new recruitment rules for the post of Special Secretary in the Department of Law and Justice. The rules, titled “Ladakh Legal Gazetted (Special Secretary) Recruitment Rules, 2025,” were issued under the provisions of Article 309 of the Constitution of India. These new rules supersede all earlier notifications related to the post and will come into effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. According to the notification, the rules define the method of recruitment, age limit,…

Leh: The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh has announced the commencement of free coaching classes for aspirants appearing in graduate and below-graduate level recruitment exams conducted by LAHD-SSRB and LSSSSB. The coaching classes are scheduled to begin in mid-August 2025. Coaching centres will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the order of registration. ID cards will be issued to selected candidates at the beginning of the session. The classes will cover key subjects including General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Interested and eligible candidates can apply by submitting the admission form in…

Kharu: Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kharu, Sonam Dorjay, chaired a preparatory meeting at Kharu to finalize arrangements for the upcoming 79th Independence Day celebrations. The meeting focused on ensuring smooth execution of key events such as flag hoisting, parade, and cultural programmes. SDM Kharu issued clear directives to concerned departments for timely and effective implementation of their responsibilities to ensure a well-coordinated celebration. Officials from various departments including SHQ Kharu, Deputy CEO, BDO, AEO, CDPO, BO, SHO, and others participated in the meeting to streamline coordination.

Leh: Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta honoured Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena with Ladakh’s highest civilian honour, the dPal rNgam Award 2025, during the grand celebrations of the 9th dPal rNgam Dus-sTon Festival at NDS Stadium, Leh. Organised by the 6th LAHDC Leh, this year’s festival was themed Compassion in honour of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, with July being declared as the Month of Compassion. The event attracted thousands of attendees, including spiritual leaders, dignitaries, artists, and locals from across Ladakh. In his acceptance speech, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, offered heartfelt prayers to…

Kargil : The Department of Horticulture, Kargil, in collaboration with the Government of India’s “One District One Product” (ODOP) initiative, successfully hosted the Apricot Exhibition 2025 at the Syed Mehdi Memorial Auditorium Hall today. The event marked a significant step in promoting apricot as the flagship product of Kargil, focusing on its cultivation, value addition, and export potential. The exhibition was graced by the Hon’ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, as the Chief Guest, and Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar (IAS), as the Guest of Honour. Both dignitaries visited various stalls showcasing…

Leh: The Office of the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Leh, has issued Advertisement No. 01 of 2025 inviting applications for temporary staff appointments under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for the academic session 2025–26. The recruitment is for various posts at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Avasiya Vidyalaya Hostels located at Higher Secondary Schools in Sumoor and Bogdang. Eligible candidates from Leh district can apply for the positions, which include Full-Time Accountant, Warden (Male), Head Cook, Assistant Cook, and Supporting Staff. All appointments will be purely on a temporary basis for the current academic session. According to the notification, applicants must submit…

Leh: The Centre for Chinese Studies and Language at the University of Ladakh, in collaboration with the Department of History, Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening), University of Delhi, is organizing the first-ever National Conference on Chinese Studies (NCCS) 2025. Scheduled for September 11–12, the two-day academic event will focus on the theme “Asia’s Giants in Global Governance: Navigating India-China Relations in the 21st Century.” The conference aims to explore the evolving relationship between India and China in the global context. While both countries share a long and complex history marked by border disputes, strategic rivalries, and competing regional visions, they…

Leh: A review meeting was held at the SDM Office in Nyoma today to finalize preparations for the 79th Independence Day celebration. The meeting was chaired by SDM Nyoma, Kacho Asgar Ali, who emphasized the need for a smooth, dignified, and patriotic observance of the national event. Heads of various departments participated and shared updates on their assigned responsibilities, including venue setup, cultural programs, invitation management, and public engagement. The SDM directed all departments to work in close coordination and meet deadlines to ensure successful and well-organized celebrations.

Leh: The Animal Husbandry Department, Leh, organized a kit distribution program at the CAHO-Leh Office under the council subsidy scheme for 2024–25. The event marked the second year of distributing “Nomadic Kits” to incentivize yak herders outside Changthang. The kits—comprising tents, tarpaulins, torches, milk churners, machines, batteries, inverters, and solar panels—were given to beneficiaries at a 75% subsidy, aiming to promote sustainable yak rearing and improve the livelihood of nomadic communities. Deputy Chairman LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchok; Executive Councillor (Animal/Sheep Husbandry), Tashi Namgyal Yakzee; Councillor Hunder, Kunzang Lotus; Director of Animal/Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries UT Ladakh, Dr. Mohd Ismail; and…

Leh: Ladakh has witnessed a significant rise in tourist arrivals, with the number of visitors more than doubling from 2.79 lakh in 2019 to over 5.31 lakh in 2022, following its designation as a Union Territory. The figures were shared in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, who highlighted the positive impact of improved road connectivity and infrastructure in boosting Ladakh’s tourism sector. According to the minister, 5.25 lakh tourists visited Ladakh in 2023, while 2024 has already seen 3.76 lakh arrivals by mid-year—despite seasonal travel variations. Rai credited schemes like PMGSY,…

Leh:  In a major boost to Ladakh’s connectivity and infrastructure, the Government of India has informed the Lok Sabha that over 1,670 kilometres of additional roads have been constructed or blacktopped in the Union Territory since it was carved out of Jammu & Kashmir in 2019. In a written reply on Tuesday, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, highlighted that Ladakh has seen significant progress in road development under various central and UT-administered schemes, including CRIF, PMGSY, and local initiatives. The minister also noted that Ladakh is now well-equipped with snow-clearance machinery, enabling road access even during harsh…

Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, held a series of meetings at the LG Secretariat in Leh, interacting with key stakeholders from the banking sector, tourism industry, academic institutions, and religious organizations. Sachin Mahajan, Zonal Head of HDFC Bank (J&K and Ladakh), along with the Cluster Head and Branch Manager, paid a courtesy visit to the LG and discussed the bank’s operations and outreach in the region. In a separate meeting, Thinles Namgyal, President of Ladakh Taxi Operator Co-operative Ltd Leh, along with Union members, met the LG and shared concerns related to the local transport sector. The LG…

Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, expressed grief over the passing of Satyapal Malik, former Governor of Jammu & Kashmir. “Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Satyapal Malik Ji, former Governor of Jammu & Kashmir. His contributions to public life will be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Om Shanti,” he posted on X. Malik, who had also held the positions of governor of Goa, Bihar, Meghalaya, and Odisha, besides being a member of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in his long political career, died at 1.12 pm at the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital here.…

Leh: Chairman LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson, along with DC Romil Singh Donk and Commandant Ladakh Scouts Kamal Pandey, visited Likir to inspect the site identified for the last rites of Ashoka Chakra awardee Lt Chhering Motup. Also present were BJP State President Tashi Gyalson Kachu, Councillor Smanla Dorjey, SDM Gurmet Namgail, officials from the administration and Army, local leaders, and family members. The chairman called for dignified arrangements, calling Lt Motup a symbol of Ladakh’s pride and courage. The delegation earlier visited the martyr’s residence to offer condolences and assured full support to the family.

Leh: Ladakh came alive with vibrant colours, sacred rituals, and deep-rooted cultural pride as the 9th edition of dPal rNgam Duston was celebrated on the occasion of Union Territory Declaration Day. Held under the theme “Compassion”, the day marked a spirited tribute to Ladakh’s history, identity, and aspirations for a united and progressive future. The celebrations began with traditional offerings, including the Khatak, butter lamp lighting, and Lharna—a sacred musical tribute—creating a spiritually rich atmosphere. The ceremonial arrival of the Lhardak at the heritage site Khatok Chhenmo was followed by tea offerings and auspicious dance performances such as the Chyapskyan,…

New Delhi: Former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satyapal Malik died on Tuesday at a hospital here after a prolonged illness, his personal staff said. He was 79. Malik, who had also held the positions of governor of Goa, Bihar, Meghalaya, and Odisha, besides being a member of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in his long political career, died at 1.12 pm at the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital here. He was in the ICU of the hospital for a long time, getting treatment for various ailments, the staff said. “It is with deep regret that we confirm the demise of…

Kargil : The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar Bench, began its fourth Circuit Sitting in Kargil today at the Tourist Facilitation Centre, Baroo. The Bench, comprising Judicial Member D.S. Mahra and Administrative Member Prashant Kumar, aims to provide Ladakh’s government employees and pensioners with easier access to justice in service-related matters. A total of 22 cases were listed on the opening day. Hearings are being held in hybrid mode—both physical and virtual—allowing participation even from remote areas. The sitting will continue until August 7. The initiative reflects a continued push to bring judicial services closer to citizens in remote and…

Srinagar:  Anshul Garg, a 2013-batch IAS officer, was on Tuesday appointed as the divisional commissioner of Kashmir as the government carried out a reshuffle in the administration. Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, is transferred and posted as divisional commissioner, Kashmir, an order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), said. The current divisional commissioner, V K Bhiduri, was transferred by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to Delhi on May 16 this year. Ten IAS officers and four JKAS officers were on Tuesday transferred on the orders of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Six districts of…

Jammu:  Congress, National Conference, and PDP workers on Tuesday hit the streets here, demanding the restoration of the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The protests were held on the sixth anniversary of the revocation of the erstwhile state’s special status under Article 370, and its bifurcation into two Union Territories. The three parties, along with Jammu-based All Parties United Morcha (APUM) – a group of various social and political parties -, observed August 5 as a “black day” in a denunciation of the downgrading of the state in 2019. Pradesh Congress Committee working president Raman Bhalla, along with former minister…