Author: The Dispatch Staff
New Delhi/Leh, February 28, 2026: Advocate Tashi Gyalson, former Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi today in the presence of BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh. During the meeting, Gyalson apprised the Home Minister of recent deliberations concerning Ladakh and highlighted key developmental, administrative and land-related matters crucial to the Union Territory’s governance and long-term growth. Among the major issues discussed were the formal notification and operationalization of new administrative districts in Ladakh, recruitment and career progression of feeder cadre officers in the…
Leh: Nearly two months after Ashish Kundra took charge as Chief Secretary, the Ladakh administration on Friday ordered a comprehensive reshuffle across all top administrative and field level positions. The sweeping exercise also follows recent IAS-level movements, including Baseer Ul Haq Choudhary joining the Union Territory and Michael D’Souza returning to Goa. Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra retains key portfolios of Home, Finance, Revenue and Forest, Ecology and Environment, underscoring continuity in core governance sectors. The extensive exercise marks one of the most comprehensive administrative reorganisations under Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta. By realigning departments at the apex level and reshaping…
Chandigarh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta on Friday said science is the cornerstone of a self-reliant and developed India, asserting that “true scientific temper lies in challenging assumptions and transforming knowledge into solutions that serve the common citizen.”Addressing National Science Day 2026 celebrations at CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation in Chandigarh, the LG paid tribute to Nobel Laureate C. V. Raman on the anniversary of the discovery of the Raman Effect, calling it a reminder that path-breaking science begins with curiosity and conviction.Speaking on the theme “Women in Science: Catalyzing Viksit Bharat,” Gupta stressed stronger women leadership in research and…
Leh, Feb 28: Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Friday chaired the UT-Level Sanctioning Committee meeting to approve Ladakh’s Annual Action Plan for 2026–27 under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Krishonnati Yojana, including components of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture.The consolidated plan covers Agriculture and Horticulture sectors with focus on ATMA, National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (Wheat), farm mechanisation, organic farming under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Per Drop More Crop, Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation, and National Mission on Natural Farming.Kundra stressed promotion of buckwheat and traditional Ladakhi wheat varieties to enhance farmer income and food security. He directed…
Reaffirming the commitment to the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today flagged off a batch of 30 students from Lok Niwas, Leh, for the Rashtriya Ekatmata Yatra 2026 – Student Experience in Regional Understanding (SERU) tour.The initiative is organised by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in collaboration with Vidyarthi Sewa Trust.The group comprises 11 girls and 19 boys from Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, University of Ladakh, and the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies. During the 13-day structured exposure tour, students will visit Gurugram, Chandigarh, Manali, and Jammu to foster national integration…
The District De-addiction Centre, Leh (DDAC) achieved a significant milestone with the successful discharge of its first recovering individual, underscoring the sustained commitment of the District Administration towards combating substance dependence through structured treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation services.The programme was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Ghulam Mohd (JKAS); DySP (HQ), Leh, Rishab Shukla, IPS; District Social and Tribal Welfare Officer, Leh, Mohd Safdar Bhat (JKAS); Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Padma Angmo; the LBA Youth Wing Advisor; officials of DDAC Leh; and the parent of the recovering individual.Currently, six male recovering individuals are undergoing de-addiction treatment and rehabilitation at the Centre.…
The District De-addiction Centre, Leh (DDAC) achieved a significant milestone with the successful discharge of its first recovering individual, underscoring the sustained commitment of the District Administration towards combating substance dependence through structured treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation services.The programme was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Ghulam Mohd (JKAS); DySP (HQ), Leh, Rishab Shukla, IPS; District Social and Tribal Welfare Officer, Leh, Mohd Safdar Bhat (JKAS); Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Padma Angmo; the LBA Youth Wing Advisor; officials of DDAC Leh; and the parent of the recovering individual.Currently, six male recovering individuals are undergoing de-addiction treatment and rehabilitation at the Centre.…
Leh: The National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, Leh (NISR) is participating in the four-day National Arogya Mela 2026 being held at Shegaon in Buldhana district of Maharashtra from 25.02.2026 to 28.02.2026.The prestigious event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in the presence of Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Acharya Devvrat, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (I/C) AYUSH and MoS Health & Family Welfare, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, along with other distinguished Ministers of the Maharashtra Government and dignitaries.In her inaugural address, President Droupadi Murmu made a special mention of the Sowa-Rigpa…
Leh, February 26, 2026: The District Child Protection Unit, Leh (DCPU) intensified its campaign against child and adolescent labour by conducting a Pan-India Rescue and Rehabilitation drive through the District Task Force (DTF), marking the third inspection initiative this month.The joint inspection team comprised officials from the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, Child Development Project Officer, Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU), and Child Helpline Unit, Leh.The DTF carried out surprise inspections at shops, restaurants, and workshops in Skalzangling, Agling, and the industrial area near the airport to ensure that no child or adolescent below 18 years…
Leh, February 26: A two-day Science workshop for Masters and teachers of Government High and Middle Schools of Leh district commenced on Wednesday at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Leh. The workshop aims to strengthen subject knowledge, promote innovative pedagogical practices and enhance classroom teaching–learning processes in Science education, with special emphasis on practical and activity-based learning in Physics. The programme was inaugurated by Principal DIET Leh, Sh. Mirza Mehdi, along with Head of Department, Smt. Tsering Yangdol. Welcoming the resource person and participating teachers, the Principal stressed the importance of concept-based and activity-oriented teaching practices in…
Kargil, February 26: The Deputy Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, on Wednesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the District Capex Budget 2025–26 at the Conference Hall, Baroo, to assess sector-wise expenditure and progress of works. The meeting focused on evaluating ongoing and newly sanctioned projects across departments to ensure timely utilisation of funds and accurate financial reporting before the close of the financial year. Stressing fiscal discipline and transparency, the Deputy Commissioner directed all departments to immediately reconcile their expenditure data with Treasury authorities and update financial records without delay. He underscored the importance of close coordination…
Kargil, February 26: The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho, on Wednesday chaired a meeting with representatives of various political parties to review preparations for the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Electoral Roll. The meeting was attended by the District President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), representatives of the Indian National Congress (INC), Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Kargil. During the meeting, the ADC briefed the representatives about the SIR schedule and procedural guidelines to be followed during the revision exercise. Political parties were urged to submit the lists…
Pangong Tso, February 25, 2026: The two-day Pangong Frozen Marathon culminated successfully today on the icy expanse of Pangong Tso, bringing down the curtain on one of Ladakh’s most thrilling high-altitude sporting spectacles.The final day began with the 5 km and 21 km races, drawing enthusiastic participation from runners across various categories. Battling sub-zero temperatures and challenging terrain, participants showcased exceptional endurance and sportsmanship on the frozen lake.Following the completion of all race segments, a medal distribution ceremony was held to felicitate the winners and acknowledge the contributions of organisers, collaborators and stakeholders who ensured the smooth conduct of the…
Leh, February 25: In a significant relief to government employees, Kavinder Gupta has approved the grant of Notional Annual Increments for staff appointed under the Jammu & Kashmir Special Recruitment Rules, 2015 (SRO-202) for the period of their probation.The move is being seen as a major step towards ensuring service parity and addressing long-pending pay anomalies affecting employees in Ladakh. With this approval, annual increments that were not granted during the probation period will now be added on a notional basis, leading to an upward revision of Basic Pay and correct placement in the pay matrix.Officials said the revised Basic…
Leh, February 23, 2026: The District Institute of Education and Training Leh successfully conducted a One-Day Orientation Programme on the DIKSHA Learning Management System and Personalized Adaptive Learning (PAL) at its Mini Hall in Leh.The programme was organised for Zonal Coordinators with the objective of strengthening the effective implementation of digital learning initiatives across schools in the district.The session was led by Mr. Lobzang Jigmet, who served as the Resource Person. He provided a comprehensive overview of the DIKSHA platform, detailing its key features, course enrollment procedures, access to digital content, progress tracking systems, and the significance of Personalized Adaptive…
Nubra, February 24: The Department of Horticulture, Nubra Sub-Division of Ladakh, organised a one-day awareness-cum-training programme on scientific pruning and pest management for progressive orchardists from Tyakshi-A, Tyakshi-B, Kharponthang and adjoining villages.Around 40 farmers participated in the programme, held in the presence of Horticulture Technician Grade-I, Shri Hamidullah.During the session, experts conducted practical demonstrations on scientific pruning techniques to help farmers adopt proper orchard management practices. Detailed guidance was also provided on effective pest control measures aimed at safeguarding crops and improving overall yield and fruit quality.To support on-ground implementation, horticultural tools were distributed among the participating orchardists.Farmers appreciated the…
Kargil, February 24, 2026: The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, undertook a comprehensive tour of Kargil district, holding multiple public interactions and review meetings while emphasizing grassroots governance, infrastructure development, education and sustainable tourism.During his visit to Rangdum, members of the Rangdum Gonpa Cultural and Welfare Society submitted a memorandum seeking key infrastructural and civic upgrades, including link roads, an ice-skating ground, a compound wall for the local school, upgradation of the Medical Sub-Centre, 108 ambulance service, enhanced teaching staff and a power transmission line to address electricity shortages.At a Public Darbar held in Sankoo…
Kargil, February 24, 2026: Several delegations from across Kargil district called on Ashish Kundra, Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, at Hotel The Kargil, raising a wide range of public issues and developmental demands.A delegation led by Executive Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil, Kacho Mohd Feroz, along with several councillors, pressed for expediting land digitisation in line with SO-75. They stressed that speedy digitalisation of land records would enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and streamline public service delivery.Another delegation headed by Councillor Town, Haji Abass Adulpa, flagged pressing urban concerns, including the stray dog menace in Kargil…
New Delhi, Feb 22: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, on Saturday said that Hindi reflects India’s traditions, values and cultural continuity, asserting that language forms the foundation of intellectual self-reliance and national confidence.Addressing the International Hindi Olympiad – Prize Distribution and Amrit Kumbh Samman Ceremony 2026 organised by the Hindi Olympiad Foundation at the India International Centre, the LG described the event as a “Mahakumbh of linguistic awareness” in the era of globalization.He said Hindi is not merely a medium of communication but a living expression of India’s civilizational consciousness. Emphasising linguistic confidence, he noted that thinking…
Nubra, Feb 22: In a significant push to strengthen connectivity in remote areas, a B3 helicopter of Pawan Hans successfully landed at the helipads of Sumoor and Digger villages on Saturday.The helicopter was received by Tehsildar Sumoor, Shri Tashi Jorgais. The visit aimed at facilitating essential public services and enhancing accessibility for residents of far-flung and difficult-to-reach areas of Nubra.Officials said the initiative marks an important step toward improving service delivery and ensuring better outreach in the region’s remote pockets.