Author: The Dispatch Staff

Gurdaspur, February 21:Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Friday said India’s youth will play a decisive role in shaping the destiny of the nation and in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.Addressing the Annual Convocation Ceremony at Government College, Gurdaspur, the Lieutenant Governor awarded degrees to 247 students and presented the Roll of Honour to five meritorious students.Emphasising the role of education in nation-building, he urged graduates to cultivate innovation, integrity and a spirit of service. He called upon educational institutions to focus on holistic learning that blends academic excellence with character-building and sustainable innovation.“The vision of a…

Leh, February 20: District Legal Services Authority Leh organised a Legal Awareness Programme at the DC Conference Hall, Leh, to commemorate the World Day of Social Justice, observed globally to promote equality, human rights, and equal opportunities for all, especially marginalized and vulnerable sections of society.The programme was attended by Mr. Wangail Tsering, Sub-Judge and Secretary, DLSA Leh; Advocate Phuntsog Stobgyal, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel; Advocate Tsering Laskit, Panel Lawyer; workers of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS); DLSA staff members; and Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs), reflecting a collective commitment towards ensuring access to justice.Addressing the gathering, Mr. Wangail…

Leh, February 20: District Institute of Education and Training Leh successfully concluded a four-day workshop on “Leveraging Digital Technology for Master Trainers” from February 17 to 20, aimed at strengthening digital competencies among educators in the district.The workshop witnessed participation of over 20 teachers from various government and private schools across Leh district. The training programme was conducted by Mr. Dorjay Wangchuk, Senior Lecturer (Computer Science), who led practical and interactive sessions focused on enhancing digital pedagogy and technology-enabled classroom practices.Key themes covered during the workshop included the digital education ecosystem, integration of digital devices in classrooms, online teaching-learning tools,…

Khaltse, February 20: The Block Medical Officer (BMO) Khaltse, Dr. Shamim Ahmed, organised a Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) camp at Village Ang on February 20 to extend specialised healthcare services to residents of the remote area.The camp was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Shamim Ahmed with the objective of ensuring accessible and comprehensive medical care at the grassroots level.A team of medical professionals was deputed for the camp, including Dr. Stanzin Yangdol (Physician), Dr. Ashish Vaishnav (Medical Officer), Dr. Shaista Iqbal (Dental Surgeon), and Dr. Stanzin Lazes (Medical Officer – Amchi).A total of 85 patients benefited from the camp.…

Leh, February 12: Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 was successfully conducted at Sumdho Gongma in Block Puga under the aegis of the Government of India’s flagship initiative launched by NITI Aayog, aimed at achieving saturation of key development indicators in Aspirational Blocks.The campaign focused on ensuring 100 per cent coverage of major government welfare schemes through coordinated outreach and inter-departmental convergence at the grassroots level.The programme witnessed active participation from multiple departments including Health, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Rural Development, ICDS, and Education, reflecting a unified approach towards holistic development.During the Abhiyan, special outreach activities were carried out to maximize awareness and…

Leh, February 19: Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Leh, Tsewang Gyalson, chaired a meeting of the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) at the VC Room, DC Office Leh, to review the utilisation of DMFT funds and assess progress on various developmental works.During the meeting, the CPO undertook a comprehensive review of both pending and completed cases under the DMFT. After detailed deliberations, necessary approvals were accorded to pending proposals in accordance with prescribed norms.The committee also examined fresh proposals, including procurement of sports equipment, upgradation of schools, and procurement of ambulances for health centres, among other development initiatives aimed at strengthening…

Leh, February 20: Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Leh, Ghulam Mohd, JKAS, chaired a meeting at the VC Room of the DC Office, Leh, to review and finalize arrangements for the ongoing holy month of Ramadan 2026.The meeting focused on ensuring smooth observance of Ramadan till Eid-ul-Fitr, with emphasis on essential services, medical preparedness, market regulation, and security measures.The ADC directed that ambulances be stationed at designated venues during major congregational prayers and significant gatherings to ensure immediate medical assistance. The Cooperative Department was instructed to ensure adequate availability of essential commodities at concessional rates from March 9 until Eid-ul-Fitr to…

Kargil, February 19: The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Kargil successfully concluded the 12th and 13th phases of its Winter Training Programme for in-service teachers of Kargil district, in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020.The 12th phase, held on February 12 and 13, focused on School Health and Wellness, with 47 School Health Ambassadors participating in the two-day programme. Resource persons including Dr. Jalil Wani, Dr. Murtaza Ali, Syed Hassan, Mr. Asadullah and Dr. Willayat Ali conducted sessions on mental health, prevention of substance abuse, physical hygiene and effective implementation of the 11 thematic modules of School…

Wakha, February 19, 2026: A solemn condolence meeting was held at Tashir Lhakhang, Wakha, following the sad demise of His Eminence Naris Rimpochey, the revered Patron of 22 Gonpas of Ladakh, including Wakha Gompa.A large number of devotees from Wakha and adjoining villages gathered to pay heartfelt tributes to the departed spiritual leader. A special Smoulam (prayer ceremony) was conducted for his eternal peace and early reincarnation.The prayers were led under the guidance of respected Mulbekh Lama, Lobzang Tsewang, who highlighted the immense spiritual contributions of Late Naris Rimpochey in preserving Buddhist teachings and strengthening monastic institutions across Ladakh. He…

Dras, February 19: The Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army organised a vibrant cultural and musical festival titled ‘Sangam–e–Sur’ in Dras, providing a significant platform for local artists to showcase and nurture their talent.The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from civil administration officials, local residents, youth and Army personnel. More than 600 people attended the programme, reflecting strong civil–military cooperation in the region.Six solo artists from the area captivated the audience with soulful performances, while a group dance presentation and an impressive display by the Indian Army’s Jazz Band added grandeur to the evening. The programme underscored the Army’s…

Kargil, February 19, 2026: An E-Office training session for district officers from various departments was held today at the Conference Hall, Baroo, aimed at enhancing digital efficiency and ensuring accuracy in handling official files through the E-Office system.The session focused on strengthening officers’ understanding of file management while addressing common technical and operational challenges faced during daily use of the platform. Key areas such as login procedures, digital signatures and troubleshooting technical issues were reviewed and clarified.Master Trainer Mr. Ishtiyak conducted a detailed step-by-step demonstration of important system functions, including file receipt and acknowledgment, file creation and movement, dispatch and…

Kargil, February 19, 2026: Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho, attended the District-Level Archery Tournament 2026 organised by the Ladakh Olympic Association (LOA), Kargil at Khri Sultan Cho Sports Stadium, Byamathang.Zonal Physical Education Officers, President LOA-Kargil Mehraj Chirag and other officials were also present on the occasion. The tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation with 13 teams competing in the Modern Archery category and 30 teams in Traditional Archery.In the Modern Archery final, Sainik Byathang (Shiliktchey) edged past 64 United Archer Tambis by 64–62 in a thrilling four-round contest. In another closely fought match, T2 Archer Blue Tingdo defeated Ten Spartan…

Leh, Feb 19: The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Leh on Wednesday commenced a three-day Jolly Phonics Teacher Training Programme aimed at strengthening foundational English literacy in schools across the district.The training is being conducted by Ms. Shainaz Jussa, Trainer-Consultant, Jolly Phonics UK, who will equip teachers with practical strategies for teaching sounds, pronunciation, blending, segmenting and early reading skills in an engaging and child-friendly manner.On the inaugural day, Sh. Mirza Mehdi, Principal DIET Leh, welcomed the resource person and participating teachers. In his address, he underscored the importance of phonics-based learning in enhancing reading and speaking abilities…

Leh, February 19: The five-day workshop-cum-training on “Product Certification and Training for Women SHG Members” under the RAMP Programme concluded successfully at the Conference Hall of District Industries Centre (DIC), Leh. The programme was organised by the Industries & Commerce Department, UT Ladakh in collaboration with the Food Safety Department and NRLM Ladakh.Around 40 SHG members and MSME representatives from tourism, food processing, handicraft and handloom sectors participated in the capacity-building initiative.Sh. Thinley Nurbu, Block Investigator, DIC Leh, welcomed the participants and briefed them about the PMEGP and PMFME schemes. In the first half of the session, participants were taken…

Kargil, February 18, 2026: The 17th CEC Ice Hockey Championship 2026 concluded with great enthusiasm at the Ice Hockey Rink, Biamathang, with Drass Warriors clinching the men’s title in a commanding 3–0 victory over Shakar Chiktan Red in the final.Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Haji Mohd Hanifa Jan, attended the closing ceremony as Chief Guest. Executive Councillor Kacho Mohd Feroz was the Guest of Honour, while Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil Imteeaz Kacho graced the occasion as Special Guest.A host of dignitaries, including district officers and sports officials, were present to witness the thrilling finale of the championship, which saw participation…

Kargil, February 18, 2026: The five-day Workshop-cum-Training Programme on “Product Certification and Capacity Building for Women SHG Members” under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme concluded successfully today in Kargil, witnessing enthusiastic participation from MSME entrepreneurs and Women Self Help Group (SHG) members engaged in the food processing sector.The programme was organised by the Industries & Commerce Department, UT Ladakh in collaboration with the Food Safety Department, Kargil at the Conference Hall of the District Industries Centre (DIC), Kargil.Sh. Shakil Ahmad, Assistant Extension Officer, DIC Kargil, highlighted the growing importance of certification, quality assurance, branding and market readiness…

Leh: The fourth day of the ongoing five-day workshop-cum-training programme on “Product Certification and Training for Women SHG Members” under the RAMP initiative witnessed active participation from MSMEs across sectors at the Conference Hall, District Industries Centre (DIC), Leh.The programme is being organised by the Industries & Commerce Department, UT Ladakh in collaboration with the Food Safety Department, Ladakh.Sh. Thinley Nurbu, Block Investigator, DIC Leh, welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of product certification, quality assurance, branding and market readiness for Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and MSMEs, particularly in the food processing sector. He noted that such capacity-building…

Leh, Feb 18: The Ladakh Pollution Control Committee conducted a comprehensive inspection of restaurants and commercial establishments in and around the Chumathang Hot Spring area to assess the status of Liquid Waste Management (LWM) systems.The inspection also covered stretches along the Indus River and adjoining Army establishments to review wastewater treatment and disposal mechanisms. Officials examined existing systems and issued necessary directions wherever deficiencies were observed, instructing timely rectification to ensure compliance with environmental standards.LPCC underscored the need for strict adherence to environmental norms by commercial units, local residents and visitors to protect Ladakh’s fragile and ecologically sensitive landscape.The Committee…

Leh, Feb 18: Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Leh, Sonam Nurboo, chaired a preparatory meeting at the DC Office Leh to review arrangements for the upcoming Apricot Blossom Festival 2026.During the meeting, SDMs of Khaltse and Nubra were directed to identify and submit suitable venues within two days to the Assistant Director Tourism, Leh. The focus, officials said, will be on selecting accessible, culturally vibrant and logistically feasible locations that enhance visitor experience while preserving local ethos.The ADDC also stressed the need for comprehensive mapping of accommodation facilities — including homestays, guest houses, hotels and camps — in villages near…

Leh, February 18, 2026: Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Leh, Sonam Norbu, chaired a review meeting on the implementation of Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Jan Bhagidari at the VC Room of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Leh.The meeting assessed preparedness, inter-departmental coordination and strategies to ensure effective public participation under the campaign. Detailed deliberations were held on water conservation, rainwater harvesting, watershed development and sustainable management of water resources across the district.Emphasising long-term water security, the ADDC directed officers to compile a comprehensive village-wise data list of traditional water ponds, clearly identifying functional and defunct water bodies. He stressed the urgent need…