Author: The Dispatch Staff

Leh: In a significant political development aimed at strengthening Ladakh’s collective struggle, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Leh district leadership on Tuesday submitted the dissolution of its district-level unit to the President of Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Ka Tsering. The decision was conveyed by District Convenor Male Ka Tsetan and Female Achay Tashi Lamo in response to the LBA President’s call for all political parties in Ladakh to dissolve and unite under the Apex Body. AAP Leh leaders lauded the LBA President for his steadfast support to Ladakh’s cause and said the move reflects the urgency of unity at a…

New Delhi, Jan 4:Apoorv Om, an internationally acclaimed artist and National Awardee for Persons with Disabilities, called on the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, in New Delhi today and shared his inspiring journey of empowerment through art and creativity. During the meeting, Apoorv Om, who is Deaf, Dumb, and has Low Vision, spoke about how he has transformed art into a powerful medium for social inclusion, awareness, and empowerment of persons with hearing impairment. He expressed his commitment to creating meaningful artworks dedicated to national and global leaders, institutions, and causes that promote unity, inclusion, and human…

New Delhi, Jan 4:The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, on Saturday described the Sindhu Festival as a powerful symbol of India’s civilizational roots, cultural continuity, and national unity, deeply connected with the sacred land of Ladakh through which the historic Sindhu (Indus) River flows. The Lt Governor made these remarks while meeting a delegation of the Sindhu Darshan Yatra Samiti, led by its General Secretary Shri Bhupinder Kansal, to discuss preparations for the proposed Pratham Sindhu Kumbh 2026 to be held at Leh. During the meeting, the delegation briefed the Lt Governor about the vision and scale…

New Delhi: 04/01/2026 Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, Advocate Riyaz Ahmad Khan, today called upon Advocate Tashi Gyalson, former Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) LAHDC Leh, at Delhi and felicitated him by presenting a traditional shawl in recognition of his dedicated service for public welfare and developmental initiatives as CEC, of 6th LAHDC, Leh. During the meeting, Advocate Riyaz Ahmad Khan also expressed his sincere gratitude to Former CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson and State President Sh. Tashi Gyaltson Kachu for thier proactive role and persistent follow-up with the central leadership, which led to the delegation of financial powers…

Leh : The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered the transfer of IAS officer Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary from Jammu and Kashmir to the Union Territory of Ladakh with immediate effect. The transfer has been effected as part of a broader reshuffle of AGMUT cadre officers, approved by the competent authority, according to an official order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 4, 2026. Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary, who is presently serving in Jammu and Kashmir, has been posted to Ladakh until further orders. IAS officer Shurbir Singh has also been transferred to Ladakh from Delhi, making them the two…

1. On 28 November 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) centralised high-value financial approvals in Ladakh for projects up to ₹100 crore, which significantly reduced the discretionary powers of the LG. The move drew criticism from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and INC. 2. On 2 January 2026, following a series of representations by BJP leaders, including former CEC Shri Tashi Gyalson and State President Shri Tashi Khachu with the party leadership, the MHA approved the delegation of financial powers to the LG of Ladakh, authorising the appraisal and sanction of projects up to ₹100 crore.

Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, has declared the Bollywood film “Dhurandhar” tax-free in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Announcing the decision through an official post on X (formerly Twitter), the Office of the Lt Governor said the film was shot extensively in Ladakh and beautifully showcases the region’s breathtaking cinematic landscapes. The move reflects the UT administration’s strong support for filmmakers and its commitment to promoting Ladakh as a preferred destination for film production. The tweet further highlighted that such initiatives will help boost Ladakh’s visibility on the national film map, encourage tourism, and reinforce the…

Leh: The Central Government has restored financial powers to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, authorising approval of appraisal and sanction of development projects costing up to ₹100 crore under the Delegation of Financial Powers Rules (DFPRs), 2024. According to an official order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the delegation applies to Union Territories without legislatures, including Ladakh. The powers will enable the LG to approve projects up to ₹100 crore, subject to mandatory consultation with the Secretary (Finance) or Financial Adviser of the UT, availability of adequate budgetary provisions, and adherence to prescribed financial norms. The order clarifies…

Leh, January 1, 2026: Marking the auspicious beginning of New Year 2026, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, visited the historic Hemis Monastery and the Maitri Geriatric Home at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Choglamsar, conveying a strong message of peace, compassion and inclusive development. At the Hemis Monastery, founded in 1630, the Lieutenant Governor was warmly received by Head Abbot/Chakzot Ven. Nawang Jigmet and Secretary Dr. Ishey Namgyal. He visited the shrine rooms and offered prayers, seeking blessings for peace, prosperity and overall development of Ladakh and its people. Interacting with monks and devotees, he…

Leh, January 1: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today released the Annual Calendar titled “Yargyas Ladakh: Marching Towards a Prosperous Future” at Lok Niwas, in the presence of Chief Secretary Shri Ashish Kundra and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, Prof. Saket Kushwaha. The vibrant calendar comprehensively showcases major festivals and events celebrated across the Union Territory, while also highlighting key transformative initiatives undertaken by the UT Administration for the holistic development of Ladakh and the prosperity of its people. Prominent themes featured in the calendar include sports development for nurturing local talent; the energy leap…

UT Ladakh Bids Adieu to Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Welcomes Ashish Kundra Leh, December 31: The Union Territory of Ladakh on Tuesday bid a warm farewell to its outgoing Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, while formally welcoming Shri Ashish Kundra, IAS, as the new Chief Secretary, at a ceremony led by Lieutenant Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta on the eve of Dr. Kotwal’s superannuation. Dr. Kotwal, a 1994-batch IAS officer and the first Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, played a pivotal role in shaping the administrative framework of the newly created Union Territory. He also served as Advisor and…

Leh, December 31: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, has extended warm greetings to the people of the Union Territory on the eve of the New Year 2026. In his message, the Lieutenant Governor said, “On the joyous occasion of the New Year, I convey my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the people of Ladakh. The arrival of the New Year renews our hopes, strengthens our resolve and opens new avenues of opportunities for growth and progress.” “Let us move forward with a collective commitment to build a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Ladakh, rooted in…

Leh, Dec 31: Emphasising the importance of seamless network and internet services, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, on Tuesday called for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity in Ladakh’s remote and far-flung areas, stating that effective digital access is vital for good governance and public service delivery. The Lt Governor made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat to review the implementation of the 4G Saturation Project being executed by BSNL under the Digital India initiative. Administrative Secretary, IT Department, Shashanka Ala, informed that the project is funded through Digital Bharat Nidhi and is based on…

Leh, Dec 31: Various delegations today called on the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat. Chief Manager, SBI Main Branch Leh, Anil Tandon, paid a courtesy visit and briefed the Lt Governor on the range of banking services being provided to residents and defence personnel through 27 SBI branches across Ladakh. A delegation of PhD holders in Horticulture also met the Lt Governor and highlighted their concerns, seeking his intervention for due consideration of their doctoral qualifications during the verification process for the post of Horticulture Technician Grade III under LAHDC-SSRB. During the…

Leh, Dec 31: The Leh Autonomous Hill Development Subordinate Services Recruitment Board (LAHD-SSRB) today continued the second day of document verification for candidates shortlisted under the Matric and 12th level recruitment examinations at Paras Hall, Boys Higher Secondary School, Leh. Multiple verification boards were seen functioning smoothly, scrutinising candidates’ documents in an orderly and transparent manner under official supervision. The Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, LAHD-SSRB, Romil Singh Donk, IAS, visited the venue to review the ongoing process and interacted with officials and candidates. He directed the staff to ensure timely, smooth and hassle-free verification strictly in accordance with prescribed…

Leh, Dec 31: A five-day Bhoti Training Programme on newly framed Bhoti textbooks for foundational and primary classes concluded successfully at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Leh, on Tuesday. The programme was organised to orient teachers on Bhoti textbooks for Nursery, LKG, UKG and Classes I & II, developed in accordance with the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) 2023. Head of the Institute Tsering Yangdol informed that the textbooks are also available on the DIKSHA Portal as energised Bhoti textbooks of UT Ladakh. Principal Mirza Mehdi thanked the resource persons—Ven. Stanzin Norbu, Dr. Lotos Rabgais…

Leh, Dec 31: Marking the beginning of the New Year, the Department of Tourism, Leh, in collaboration with the Rural Development Department and the All Ladakh Rafting Association, organised a cleanliness drive at the Sangam–Nimo rafting point on Tuesday. The initiative aimed at promoting cleanliness, environmental conservation and responsible tourism at one of Ladakh’s key rafting and tourist destinations. Officials, staff members, local stakeholders and rafting association members participated actively, removing waste from the riverbanks and surrounding areas. The drive underscored the collective commitment of stakeholders to preserve the natural beauty of the region and encourage sustainable tourism practices in…

Leh, Dec 31: Additional Deputy Commissioner Leh Ghulam Mohd today chaired a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) to review preparations for Road Safety Month, scheduled to be observed from January 1 to January 31 across the district. The meeting focused on coordinated planning, awareness campaigns and long-term measures to reduce road accidents and improve traffic management. Senior officers from the Police, Public Works, Education, Municipal Committee, Project HIMANK, ARTO, Traffic Police and other concerned departments attended the meeting. It was decided to install road safety banners and distribute pamphlets at key locations in Leh, while the inaugural…

Kargil, Dec 31: The two-day District-Level Multilingual Mushaira and Afsana Nigari sessions, organised by the Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (LAACL), Kargil, under the theme Losar-e-Dus-Dang, concluded successfully at the Academy Hall here today. The second day’s literary session was chaired by senior Purgi/Balti poet Aga Syed Hadi Shah Aga, with Padma Shri awardee Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat, Special Officer Cultural Activities Muhammad Ali Tak, and senior poet Akhone Safdar Ali Safdar in the presidium. Poets and writers from diverse linguistic backgrounds presented poetry and short stories in Purgi, Balti, Sheena Dardi, Broqskat Dardi and Urdu, reflecting themes…

Kargil, Dec 31: Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho, today flagged off the first batch of students from Government PM SHRI Higher Secondary and High Schools of Kargil district for an exposure tour outside Ladakh under the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) Scheme. Under the programme, students will visit Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Jodhpur to gain educational and cultural exposure. Addressing the students, the ADC encouraged them to explore museums, libraries and historical sites, interact with diverse cultures and cuisines, and use the tour to broaden their knowledge and perspectives. He wished the students and escort teachers…