Author: The Dispatch Staff
LEH, September 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Ladakh later this month, a possible visit that comes amid a series of measures by the Centre and the Union Territory administration aimed at addressing long-standing political and developmental concerns in the region.Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, during his recent visit to Ladakh, had also indicated that the Prime Minister was likely to visit the Union Territory.The visit, if it takes place, could acquire significance beyond its immediate itinerary. It comes at a time when the Centre and Ladakh are discussing a new political and constitutional framework for the…
KARGIL, SEPTEMBER 7: Four BJP councillors have resigned from LAHDC Kargil, demanding immediate delimitation and fresh elections.Stanzin Lakpa of Cha, Padma Dorjay of Stakchey Khangral, and nominated councillors Rigzin Gurmet and Namgal Phunchok announced their resignations at a press conference, saying they had submitted them to the Chief Executive Officer of LAHDC Kargil.The councillors said recent administrative reorganisation had redrawn the council’s territorial landscape, with areas previously under LAHDC Kargil now falling under other districts, including the newly created Sham district.They argued that the existing electoral constituencies and representative structure must be realigned with the revised administrative boundaries.They also flagged…
Leh, Sept 6: In a major boost to traditional crafts and youth empowerment, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh V.K. Saxena has announced a 275 per cent increase in the daily stipend for trainees at Handloom and Handicrafts Training Centres across the Union Territory, raising it from Rs 40 to Rs 150 per day.Announcing the decision, the Lieutenant Governor said the enhanced stipend would provide greater financial support to trainee artisans, encourage more youth to take up traditional crafts and strengthen the handloom and handicrafts sector as a sustainable livelihood avenue.The LG said the issue of the low stipend came to his…
Kargil, Sept 6: The UT-level Athletic Meet organised by the Youth Services & Sports (YSS) Department, Kargil, under the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, UT Ladakh, concluded on Sunday with the 10,000-metre race, bringing to a close the athletics segment of the month-long Youth Engagement Programme held to commemorate National Sports Day.The championship witnessed spirited participation from athletes representing all seven districts of Ladakh, offering young sportspersons a platform to showcase their endurance, speed and competitive spirit.The concluding-cum-prize distribution ceremony was held at the TFC Ground, Kargil, with Advocate Khadim Hussain, Councillor, Baroo-Minjee Constituency, as the Chief Guest, while…
Drass, Sept 5: The two-day Drass Festival, organised under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, concluded on a vibrant note at the iconic Manman Top View Point in Lamochan, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage while reinforcing the message of a drug-free society.The concluding ceremony featured an array of colourful cultural performances by local artists, singers and cultural groups, showcasing the unique traditions and artistic diversity of Drass. The Army Band, Humas Band, 8 Mahar Regiment Band, renowned local singer Zain Drassi, and students from High School Kharbu and Higher Secondary School Drass enthralled the audience with their performances. A thought-provoking…
Drass, Sept 5: The two-day Drass Festival, organised under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, concluded on a vibrant note at the iconic Manman Top View Point in Lamochan, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage while reinforcing the message of a drug-free society.The concluding ceremony featured an array of colourful cultural performances by local artists, singers and cultural groups, showcasing the unique traditions and artistic diversity of Drass. The Army Band, Humas Band, 8 Mahar Regiment Band, renowned local singer Zain Drassi, and students from High School Kharbu and Higher Secondary School Drass enthralled the audience with their performances. A thought-provoking…
Nyoma, Sept 5: District Sheep Husbandry Officer (DSHO), Changthang, Dr. Mohd Abass undertook a three-day extensive field tour of Nyoma Sub-Division to review the functioning of the Sheep Husbandry Department, assess ongoing developmental works and interact with field staff as well as nomadic pastoral communities.During the visit, Dr. Abass inspected various field centres of the department and reviewed the implementation of livestock development programmes, field-level interventions and departmental activities. He also examined records and registers maintained at the centres to assess documentation, progress and overall functioning.Interacting with field functionaries, the DSHO took stock of the challenges faced by the staff…
Leh, Sept 5: In a major push to strengthen Ladakh’s horticulture sector, the Department of Horticulture, Leh on Saturday organised a Kisan Mela-cum-Fruit and Flower Exhibition, drawing participation from over 250 farmers, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), entrepreneurs, NGOs and government officials.The event, held at the office complex of the Chief Horticulture Officer, Leh, was inaugurated by Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, Shri Ashish Kundra, IAS, in the presence of Commissioner/Secretary, Finance, Shri Tsewang Tharchin, IA&AS, who attended as the Guest of Honour, along with senior officers and dignitaries.Welcoming the gathering, Director of Horticulture, Shri Tsewang Punchok, highlighted the steady growth…
Following Centre’s decision, L-G VK Saxena approves notification for creation of LAHDCs for all 7 districts in LadakhMove paves way for elected local self-governance in 5 new districts – Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass Leh, September 3: The Central Government’s historic decision for creation of new Autonomous Hill Development Councils in all 7 districts of Ladakh reached its culmination today, with Lieutenant Governor, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, approving the notification for creation of 7 LAHDCs. The Centre, on 13 July 2026, had announced the creation of new LAHDCs in the UT of Ladakh.The Lieutenant Governor thanked Hon’ble Prime Minister…
Sham, Ladakh, August 27, 2026: District Police Sham, under the supervision of SSP Sham Malik Aijaz, JKPS, in collaboration with the Civil Administration Sham, conducted drug awareness programmes at Domkhar Gongma and Domkhar Dho to sensitise local communities about the growing threat of substance abuse.At Domkhar Gongma, Inspector Tsewang Norboo, SHO Police Station Khaltsi, along with Stanzin Diskit, CHO, and Lobzang Chorol, ANM, briefed participants on the harmful physical and social consequences of drug abuse. The importance of timely counselling, medical assistance and community support was also emphasised.A similar awareness programme was held at Domkhar Dho, where Inspector Tsewang Norboo,…
Nubra, August 27, 2026: Deputy Commissioner, Nubra, Mukul Beniwal, IAS, completed the Self Enumeration process under the upcoming Population Census 2026, urging residents of the district to actively participate in the national exercise.The Deputy Commissioner’s participation was aimed at conveying a message of public cooperation and active involvement, encouraging people across Nubra to complete the Self Enumeration process and contribute to the successful conduct of the Census.The Population Census 2026 is scheduled to be conducted from September 1 to September 30, 2026. The Census is a crucial national exercise that generates essential demographic data used for policy formulation, development planning,…
Nubra, August 27, 2026: Deputy Commissioner, Nubra, Mukul Beniwal, IAS, convened a review meeting with officials of the Health Department to assess the implementation and progress of major health schemes and programmes in the district.During the meeting, BMO Nubra Dr. Stanzin Phantok presented an overview of various health initiatives being implemented in the district, including PM-JAY, ABHA, JSY & JSSK, UIP, NTEP, RBSK and RKSK, besides digital healthcare services such as e-Sanjeevani and telemedicine.The BMO briefed the Deputy Commissioner on beneficiary coverage under different schemes, admissions facilitated through the programmes and claims submitted. He also presented details regarding patients screened,…
Kargil, August 27, 2026: A delegation from Sodh Block, comprising Nambardars, Village Committee members and prominent residents, met Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon, on Wednesday and submitted a detailed representation seeking the creation of Sodh as a separate Sub-Division.The delegation described the demand as a long-pending requirement, citing the region’s vast geographical spread, difficult terrain, remoteness and limited connectivity as major challenges in accessing administrative offices and essential government services.According to the representation, Sodh Block comprises around 10 Panchayats, nearly 30 Mohallas and several villages, with an estimated population of about 18,000 people.…
Suru, August 27, 2026: The scenic Suru Valley came alive with sporting energy as a Mountain Biking Challenge was organised at Damsna as part of the ongoing Suru Summer Fest, bringing together cycling enthusiasts, youth and local residents.The challenge was flagged off by Joint Director Information/Deputy Director Tourism Mohd Taqi, JKAS, from Damsna. A large number of cycling enthusiasts participated in the event, while local youth and members of the public gathered along the route to cheer the participants and witness the sporting spectacle.The cycling event was organised with the aim of promoting adventure tourism, healthy lifestyles and greater community…
Padum, Zanskar, August 27, 2026: An awareness workshop on the Gems of India Challenge was held at Dak Bungalow, Padum, on Wednesday to encourage aspiring and emerging content creators from Zanskar to participate in the national-level initiative.The workshop was led by Rajeev Kumar Dubey and Aditya Kumar Singh, Programme Officers, WAVES OTT and Nodal Officers for the Gems of India Challenge in Ladakh UT.During the interactive session, the resource persons briefed participants about the objectives, participation process and opportunities associated with the challenge. They encouraged local creators to come forward and use the platform to showcase the distinctive stories, culture,…
CEC Jaffer Akhoon reviews preparations at Damsna; orders completion of all pending works by August 25Kargil, August 22: With the Suru Valley Festival 2026 set to begin on August 26, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, on Saturday inspected the festival venue at Damsna and reviewed preparations for the major tourism and cultural event.Dr. Akhoon took stock of arrangements for adventure and mountain activities, cultural programmes, theatre, exhibitions and stalls, besides power supply, backup systems, lighting, public amenities, cleanliness, safety and other logistical requirements.Officials from the concerned departments briefed the CEC about the progress of…
Reviews Oma Dairy, apricot & sea buckthorn processing and rural infrastructure; calls for stronger farmer-market linkagesLeh, August 22: Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Saturday undertook an extensive field review of key development projects in Leh, putting the spotlight on local livelihoods, value addition of Ladakh’s produce, scientific waste management and improved rural infrastructure.Kundra inspected the Ladakh Oma Dairy Plant, where he reviewed milk processing as well as facilities for value addition of locally produced apricot and sea buckthorn. He sought details about processing capacity, quality standards, farmer linkages and returns reaching local producers.Calling for stronger farmer-to-market connectivity, Kundra stressed improving…
Job-oriented courses, career counselling, emerging disciplines and stronger academia-industry pathways in focusLeh, August 22: Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra has called for building a future-ready and opportunity-driven higher education ecosystem in Ladakh, with greater emphasis on employment-oriented courses, emerging disciplines, career counselling and stronger academic collaboration.Chairing a review of the higher education sector and follow-up action on the Ladakh Education Conclave 2024, Kundra stressed that academic programmes should evolve in line with students’ aspirations, changing professional requirements and Ladakh’s distinctive strengths.He called for assessing undergraduate and postgraduate courses on the basis of demand, relevance and employment potential, while exploring greater academic…
Free health camps under Rishi Kashyap Swasthya Seva Yatra to provide check-ups, medicines and preventive healthcare awarenessLeh, August 22: Chief Secretary of Ladakh Ashish Kundra on Saturday inaugurated a free medical camp at BVN School, Choglamsar, marking another phase of the Rishi Kashyap Swasthya Seva Yatra aimed at taking healthcare services to remote and far-flung areas of the Union Territory.The medical outreach is being organised by the National Medicos Organisation (NMO) in collaboration with Ladakh Phanday Tsogspa, with support from Sewa Bharti Gujarat. Around 20 members of the medical team have been divided into groups that will travel to different…
Leh, August 17: The countdown to the 13th edition of the Ladakh Marathon has begun, with Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena unveiling the official jersey for one of the world’s highest-altitude endurance sporting events.This year’s edition is set to be the biggest yet, with the prize pool increased to ₹1 crore and registrations touching a record nearly 10,000 runners, a significant jump from 6,521 participants last year.The growing participation, including athletes and running enthusiasts from India and abroad, reflects the Ladakh Marathon’s rising profile on the global endurance-sports calendar.Speaking on the occasion, LG Saxena said the Marathon is not merely…