Author: The Dispatch Staff

Leh The Ladakh Umlingla Challenge 2025, part of the high-altitude race series Summit or Surrender, concluded successfully on July 21 with a medal ceremony at Shaolin Ladakh, Leh. Held at Umlingla Top—the world’s highest motorable road—the event pushed human endurance to its limits at an elevation of 5,799 meters (19,024 feet), surpassing even the altitude of Everest Base Camp. Flagged off at 7:00 AM on July 20 by Assistant Commandant Dr. Suraj of the 21st Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the race featured multiple categories including 70K, 50K, 42K, 21K, and 10K distances. Each route posed extreme physical and…

Jammu: In a significant development set to shape the future of governance in Ladakh, a high-level delegation of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh is poised to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to deliberate on crucial matters including the upcoming Council elections, 33 percent reservation for women, potential fresh delimitation, and the eagerly awaited formal creation of five new districts in the Union Territory. The dialogue comes at a critical juncture as the five-year term of the current LAHDC Leh is set to conclude in October-November. With elections expected around September-October, the meeting aims to ensure a…

Leh: A total of 122 smart classrooms are now fully functional across the Union Territory of Ladakh, as revealed in data tabled by the Ministry of Education during the ongoing session of the Lok Sabha. The announcement marks a major milestone in the region’s journey towards digital education, particularly in geographically remote areas. The update was part of a broader parliamentary response to Unstarred Question focusing on infrastructure development under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme. In addition to smart classrooms, the data highlighted the operationalization of 171 ICT labs, the construction or upgrading of 16 schools, and the establishment of 29…

Leh :  Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh,  Kavinder Gupta, met with several distinguished personalities in the national capital on Sunday. The meetings were part of a series of courtesy calls following his recent appointment as the LG of Ladakh. Among the visitors were former J&K DGP Dilbag Singh, DPS Director Shri S.S. Sodhi, DSGMC Secretary S. Jasmeen Noni, and key members of Delhi’s business community. They extended warm greetings and shared optimism about Ladakh’s future under his leadership. In response, LG Kavinder Gupta expressed heartfelt thanks and reaffirmed his vision for holistic and inclusive development in Ladakh. He highlighted his administration’s…

Zanskar: A fresh wave of digital empowerment began today at Government Degree College Zanskar, as 22 candidates appeared for the final examination of a short-term skill development course titled Certified Computer Application, Accounting and Publishing Assistant. The initiative, run in collaboration with NIELIT Leh, specifically targets non-college-going youth to boost digital literacy and enhance job-oriented skills. A total of 28 students had enrolled in the programme, with most turning up for today’s exam held in the college’s computer lab. The college administration ensured a smooth and well-organized exam process, highlighting the positive response from the community. Officials said the success…

Kargil: In a major outreach effort, a five-day Passport Van Camp has begun in Kargil to serve 250 local residents with on-spot passport services. Jointly organized by the Regional Passport Office, Haj Committee of UT Ladakh, and the District Administration Kargil, the camp is scheduled from July 21 to 25, processing 50 appointments daily. The initiative was inaugurated by Mohd Ali Majaz, Chairperson of the Haj Committee, UT Ladakh. As part of the local tradition, a Khatak was offered to the visiting passport officials Mr. Ayoub and Mr. Hilal, welcoming them warmly. Designed especially to benefit Haj aspirants and general…

Drass: In a heartening initiative focused on inclusion and dignity, a five-day outreach and assessment camp for persons with disabilities (Divyangjans) and senior citizens concluded today at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Drass. The camp, organised by the District Social and Tribal Welfare Department and ALIMCO, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Health and Education Departments of Kargil, aimed to identify and support individuals in need of assistive aids — many of whom reside in some of Ladakh’s most remote areas. To ensure wide reach and accessibility, the camp was held across five strategic locations — Auditorium Hall Kargil, CHC Sankoo,…

Kargil:  The Kargil District Administration extended a grand and heartfelt welcome to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama as he arrived in the tranquil valley of Zanskar, marking a deeply spiritual and historic occasion. Thousands of devotees, along with top dignitaries including CEC Leh Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Executive Councillor Er. Punchok Tashi, DC Kargil Rakesh Kumar, SSP Shree Ram R, and others, gathered at Photang Karsha to greet the revered spiritual leader. Also present were representatives from major religious and community organizations—Zanskar Buddhist Association, Zanskar Gonpa Association, IKMT Kargil, Anjuman e Sahib Zamaan, and Anjuman-e-Moinul Islam Zanskar. DC Rakesh Kumar,…

Leh: India is gearing up to operationalize the strategic Nyoma air base in eastern Ladakh by October this year, a move aimed at strengthening its border infrastructure and matching China’s developments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Located just 30 km from the LAC, the Nyoma runway—once a basic mud strip—was upgraded to a paved surface last year by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Now, final construction is underway. BRO Director General Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan confirmed that work is progressing on schedule. Once operational, Nyoma will become Ladakh’s fourth air base after Leh, Kargil, and Thoise, significantly enhancing…

Ladakh:  Sindhu Central University in Ladakh, the world’s highest university situated around 3,500 metres above sea level, now has a transit campus which will function as an academic centre till the construction of the permanent campus is completed, according to officials. The transit campus of the university was inaugurated on Sunday by V Kamakoti, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, and the Chair of the Executive Council of Sindhu Central University, paving the way for the establishment of Ladakh’s first central university. According to university officials, this transit facility will function as a temporary academic centre until…

Leh: The Ladakh Scouts galloped to a glorious win in the final match of the CEC Cup Polo Tournament 2025, held at the iconic Shagaran Polo Ground, Chuchot. But it was not just about the scoreline—it was a celebration of Ladakh’s deep-rooted culture, spirit, and unity. Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, who graced the grand finale as Chief Guest, delivered a powerful address that resonated with pride and cultural consciousness. “Traditional sports like polo are not just a part of our history—they are living symbols of our identity, binding generations through shared heritage and pride,” he said.…

Kargil:  In a heartfelt interaction that underscored the need for inclusive education and infrastructure, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, met with parents and students with special needs at his office today. The meeting focused on the challenges faced by differently abled children in accessing education and receiving appropriate support in the school environment. Parents shared their concerns about the lack of inclusive infrastructure and the emotional and logistical difficulties their children face within the existing educational framework. They called for urgent interventions to make schools more welcoming and equipped for specially abled…

Leh: A district-wide campaign for the revision of the Panchayat Electoral Roll began today in Leh with the launch of a special camp by the district administration. The inaugural event was held in the presence of Deputy Commissioner and District Panchayat Election Officer, Romil Singh Donk (IAS), Additional Deputy Commissioner Ghulam Mohd, District Panchayat Officer-cum-Electoral Registration Officer, and officials from NIC Leh. The revision drive started with the public display of updated electoral rolls at designated polling booths. The process is being overseen by Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and Panchayat Electoral Booth Officers to ensure smooth facilitation of changes to…

Leh: A heartening success story in Ladakh’s wildlife conservation efforts unfolded as the Department of Wildlife Protection, UT Ladakh, successfully released a rehabilitated male Snow Leopard back into its natural habitat near Ney Phu on June 18, 2025. The Snow Leopard had been rescued on June 7, following a week-long operation after it was found roaming near Ney village. The animal had reportedly attacked livestock and was frequently seen entering homes and sheds, causing panic among residents. A swift response team, led by officials from the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC), Leh, captured the injured animal after days of…

Leh: In a significant step towards financial inclusion and empowerment, the Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO), UT of Ladakh, has announced a new initiative offering interest-subsidised loans to economically weaker sections of society. The scheme targets Scheduled Tribes (ST), minorities, and persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) residing in the Union Territory. As per the approved targets by the Managing Director, SIDCO Ladakh, this initiative aims to provide easy access to capital for the underprivileged by offering loans ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹50 lakh, with a subsidised interest rate between 4% and 10%, depending on the loan amount. Online applications will…

Leh: Amid growing concerns over drug abuse among youth, the 30th meeting of the District Level Committee under the NCORD Mechanism and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk (IAS), at the VC Room of the DC Office. The meeting saw participation from senior officials of key departments who discussed the rising cases of drug addiction in the region and the need for a robust, coordinated response. SSP Leh, Shruti Arora (IPS), presented a detailed comparative analysis of drug-related cases from the past three years, underscoring the urgency of intervention. Deputy…

Leh: In a new employment opportunity for skilled professionals in Ladakh, Glitters Forever HK Services Pvt. Ltd. has invited applications on behalf of the Handicraft Department, UT Ladakh, for the empanelment of instructors purely on an outsourced basis in Leh. The openings include posts for Knitting, Embroidery, and Ladakhi Garment Making (Tailoring) instructors, each offering a consolidated monthly salary of ₹35,900. Eligible candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field such as Knitwear/Knitting, Fashion Designing, Apparel, or Fashion Technology. Aspiring candidates are required to submit their detailed CVs via email to [email protected] by 4:00 PM on July 23,…

New Delhi: Executive Director (Projects), Regional Office–Ladakh of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Rajendra Prasad, along with Neelam Sonkar, former MP and Vice-President of BJP Uttar Pradesh, called on Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta in New Delhi. During the meeting, Prasad provided a comprehensive briefing on various ongoing infrastructure projects being undertaken by NHIDCL in the Union Territory of Ladakh. He specifically updated the Lt Governor on the progress of the Zojila Tunnel, a strategically significant all-weather connectivity project aimed at linking Ladakh with the rest of India year-round. The interaction focused on the critical importance of…

Leh: A delegation from the Sunni community has strongly urged for the delimitation of council constituencies ahead of the upcoming LAHDC elections, citing the need for a more inclusive and representative electoral structure. Led by Dr. Abdul Qayoum, President of Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam (AMI) Leh, the delegation met with Chairman/CEC LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, in the presence of BJP State President Tashi Gyalson Khachu. The group included AMI’s Women President, Youth President, senior community representatives, and executive members. During the meeting, the delegation stressed that delimitation is essential to reflect demographic realities and ensure fair representation in the Hill Council.…

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said Parliament’s Monsoon session is like a ‘Vijay Utsav’ as the Indian armed forces achieved their objectives under Operation Sindoor 100 per cent, and expressed confidence that the MPs will articulate this sentiment in one voice. Speaking with the media before the start of the session, the prime minister hailed the multi-party delegations that visited various parts of the world to convey India’s position post-Operation Sindoor for their efforts in removing the veil from the face of the master of terrorists – Pakistan. The Monsoon session is a ‘Vijay Utsav’ (victory celebration)…