Author: The Dispatch Staff

Leh, July 20: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Special Rapporteur for the Himalayan Region, Shomita Biswas, on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting in Leh to assess human rights issues across the social welfare, tribal affairs, prisons and health sectors in Ladakh.The meeting, attended by senior civil, police and health officials, focused on the welfare of vulnerable groups, including children, women, prisoners, persons with mental health concerns and other marginalised communities.Biswas stressed the need for a coordinated approach to tackle mental health challenges, substance abuse, child protection and women’s welfare, while calling for early intervention, community awareness and stronger rehabilitation…

Leh, July 14: Chief Secretary of Ladakh Ashish Kundra visited Sham district on Tuesday to review the progress of the Sindhu Central University (SCU), inaugurate the Tia Model High School, and assess key development issues raised by local communities.Kundra inspected the SCU transit campus at Zer-thang, reviewing classrooms, hostel facilities and academic infrastructure. He also held a virtual meeting with Vice Chancellor Dr. Chandrasekhar and other university officials to assess admissions, faculty strength and student enrolment. During the visit, he inaugurated the university’s Temperature Forecast System portal.Reviewing the under-construction permanent SCU campus at Go-thang, the Chief Secretary expressed concern over…

Leh, July 15: Administrative Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department (PD&MD), Himanshu Gupta on Wednesday reviewed the progress of tourism infrastructure projects being implemented under the Special Development Package (SDP) and State Sector Schemes, directing executing agencies to speed up pending works and ensure timely completion.Chairing a review meeting, Gupta assessed the financial and physical progress of projects during the first quarter of the 2026–27 financial year. Secretary Tourism Sanjeet Rodrigues informed the meeting that ₹2,043.68 lakh (35.08%) had been spent out of the approved ₹5,825.63 lakh SDP allocation, while ₹3,781.95 lakh remains available.The review covered several key projects, including…

Leh, July 15: The historic Salt Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi was brought to life on stage as the Ladakhi theatre production “RANGWANG” captivated a packed audience at Lotsava Hall in Leh during the National Theatre Festival 2026.Presented by Mandala Artworks, Ladakh in the Ladakhi language, the play was staged under the aegis of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of Vande Mataram and the commemoration of Mahakavi Kalidas Jayanti. The festival is being held under the theme, “Bharat Speaks Through Theatre | Yuva Rangmanch Se Rashtra Jagran.”Directed by young theatre director Diksit…

LEH, July 15: The Union Territory of Ladakh has embarked on what is being described as the most far-reaching exercise in democratic decentralisation since it was carved out as a separate Union Territory in 2019, with the administration announcing that each of its seven districts will have an Autonomous Hill Development Council (AHDC). The move is expected to fundamentally reshape governance in the strategically important Himalayan region by transferring decision-making closer to local communities. The announcement was made by Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra during a press conference in Leh on Monday, where he also outlined the broader roadmap for constitutional…

Chushul, July 12: An awareness campaign on the ban on single-use plastics was organised in Chushul village on Sunday to educate residents about the environmental hazards of plastic waste and promote eco-friendly alternatives.Held under the guidance of the village Numberdar, the campaign highlighted the adverse impact of single-use plastics on the environment, wildlife and public health while encouraging sustainable practices.Addressing the gathering, Panchayat Inspector Sonam Tundup stressed the need to eliminate single-use plastics to ensure a clean and healthy environment. He urged villagers to switch to cloth bags, reusable containers and adopt proper waste management practices. He also called on…

Leh, July 11: The Sheep Husbandry Department of the Union Territory of Ladakh on Saturday reviewed its quarterly performance, with a renewed focus on improving livestock productivity, achieving fodder self-sufficiency and enhancing the income of livestock rearers.The Quarterly Review Meeting, chaired by Director Dr. Iftikhar Hussain at the Stock Assistant Training Institute, Leh, was attended by District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Kargil, Dr. Nyaz-ul-Hassan; District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Leh, Dr. Tsewang Morup; Deputy Director, Upshi Pashmina Goat Project, Leh, Dr. Tundup Namgyal, besides farm in-charges and block-level officers from Leh and Kargil.The meeting reviewed the department’s quarterly physical and financial achievements…

Leh, July 9: In a major push to transform Ladakh’s rural economy, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra has called for a cooperative-led growth model in the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries sector, stressing that livestock, dairy, fisheries and pashmina should become key drivers of employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods across the Union Territory. Chairing a comprehensive review meeting of the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department in Leh on Thursday, the Chief Secretary reviewed the implementation of departmental schemes, Special Development Projects, State Sector initiatives and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, while directing officials to focus on innovation, scientific planning and community-based development. During the…

Khaltsi, July 6: Deputy Commissioner, Sham, Kunzes Angmo (JKAS) on Monday chaired the first meeting of the District Level Narco Coordination (NCORD) Committee to review measures aimed at preventing drug abuse, curbing illicit trafficking, and eliminating narcotic cultivation in the district.Reviewing the progress made by various departments, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for stronger inter-departmental coordination and directed officials to intensify anti-drug awareness campaigns, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and adopt proactive measures to protect youth from the growing drug menace.The meeting discussed the Committee’s key responsibilities, including strengthening intelligence sharing on drug trafficking, monitoring illegal cultivation of poppy and cannabis,…

Leh, July 6: Thousands of devotees from across Ladakh and different parts of the world gathered at Jivetsal, Choglamsar, on Monday to celebrate the 91st Birth Anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama with prayers, cultural performances, and deep spiritual devotion.The grand celebration was jointly organised by the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Ladakh Gonpa Association, and the Central Tibetan Administration. The event witnessed the presence of Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh Ashish Kundra, senior government officials, prominent Buddhist leaders, and community elders.A vibrant cultural programme added colour to the celebrations, with students of TCV Leh and Ladakhi and Tibetan artists…

Drass, July 4: Director General of Police, UT Ladakh, Anand Jain on Friday paid his maiden official visit to the newly created district of Drass, where he reviewed policing, inspected infrastructure and directed officers to intensify efforts against narcotics trafficking and cybercrime.During his visit to Police Station Drass, the DGP conducted a detailed review of the crime scenario, examined crime records and assessed investigation standards. He directed officers to strengthen crime record management, improve the quality of investigations and enhance the overall functioning of the police station.The DGP also inspected the newly established District Police Office, reviewed the functioning of…

Drass, July 5: Patriotism and public welfare took centre stage in Drass on Sunday as the Sarhad International Shauryathon 2026 witnessed participation of over 3,000 runners, while the border town also received a major healthcare boost with the inauguration of a CT Scan Machine and dedication of a 4×4 ambulance to the Sub-District Hospital.Organised jointly by the Indian Army and Sarhad, Pune, with support from Arham Foundation, the marathon was held at the Kargil War Memorial under the theme “Run With Resolve, Run For Unity.” The event featured 21-km, 10-km, 5-km and 3-km race categories and drew enthusiastic participation from…

Leh, July 5: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena has announced two major decisions to strengthen the Union Territory’s globally renowned Pashmina sector and improve the livelihoods of nomadic herders.Chairing the first meeting of the Ladakh Pashmina Development Board, the Lieutenant Governor approved a 25% production-based incentive under the Livestock Development Incentive Programme. The incentive will be paid over and above the government procurement price of raw Pashmina, aiming to enhance herders’ income, profitability and long-term sustainability.The Board also approved an ₹8 crore revolving fund to ensure timely payments to Pashmina producers. Under the new mechanism, 50% of the…

Leh, July 5: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday reviewed the implementation of key social welfare programmes in Ladakh and directed officials to strengthen welfare delivery, institutional infrastructure and outreach to vulnerable communities.Athawale, who arrived in Ladakh on an official visit, was received by senior officials of the Social and Tribal Welfare Department, including Nidhi Malik. He later chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of centrally sponsored schemes and the overall social welfare framework in the Union Territory.Officials briefed the Minister on the implementation of major schemes, including the National…

Leh, July 5: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday assured support for the long-pending proposal to establish a Buddhist University in Ladakh during the State-Level Committee Meeting of the Buddhist Society of India (BSI) held in Leh.The meeting, chaired by Dr. Chandrabhan (Modi) Patil, was attended by senior Buddhist leaders, monks, scholars, public representatives and members of civil society.A memorandum submitted by the BSI and various Buddhist organisations urged the Centre to establish a Buddhist University in Ladakh, highlighting the region’s historic role as a centre of Buddhist learning and seeking greater support…

Leh, July 5: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale on Sunday visited the Mahabodhi Devachan Campus in Leh and assured full support for the humanitarian, educational and social welfare initiatives being undertaken by the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC).Athawale was accorded a traditional welcome by Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder President and Spiritual Director of MIMC. He was received by monks, nuns, students, staff and members of the organisation, followed by a reception at the Sambodhi Retreat Centre.During the interaction, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena briefed the Minister about MIMC’s humanitarian work across Ladakh and the Himalayan region,…

Leh, July 4: Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena on Saturday inaugurated a Mini Indoor Stadium at Chuchot Gongma, reinforcing the Union Territory Administration’s commitment to developing world-class sports infrastructure for the youth of Ladakh. The modern facility has been designed to serve as a dedicated hub for indoor sports, training and community engagement, enabling athletes to practice and compete throughout the year despite Ladakh’s harsh weather conditions. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the stadium reflects the administration’s vision of providing young sportspersons with quality infrastructure and opportunities that match their aspirations. He added that investment in modern…

Leh, July 4: Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena on Saturday inaugurated a modern 40m × 20m Futsal Court at the Learning Center in Thiksey Learning Center, in the presence of Thiksey Rinpoche. The newly developed facility, equipped with artificial turf, is designed to provide young athletes with year-round training and competition opportunities in Ladakh’s high-altitude conditions. The initiative is aimed at promoting sports culture, encouraging fitness, and strengthening discipline, resilience and teamwork among the region’s youth. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the new infrastructure reflects the administration’s commitment to empowering young people through quality sports facilities. He…

Kargil, July 4: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra Zanskar has successfully concluded its month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a large-scale agricultural awareness campaign aimed at promoting soil conservation, natural farming and sustainable agriculture across the Zanskar Valley.Conducted from June 1 to June 30, the campaign covered dozens of remote villages and benefitted more than 3,600 farmers, farm women and rural youth through 42 awareness programmes, 31 training sessions, six SHG/FIG programmes and one Kisan Mela.During the campaign, KVK scientists educated farmers on balanced fertiliser use, soil health management, integrated nutrient management, organic manure application, preparation of Jeevamrit, natural farming techniques and sustainable…

Kargil, July 4: Marking a major shift in rural employment initiatives, the Rural Development Department, Kargil, on Thursday formally launched the Viksit Bharat Gramin Rozgar Abhiyan (VB G-RAM-G), replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA). The new programme aims to strengthen rural livelihoods, generate sustainable employment and accelerate rural development across the district.The district-level launch was chaired by Shafiq Ahmed, who said the scheme builds upon the achievements of MGNREGA by creating durable community assets, expanding livelihood opportunities and improving the socio-economic conditions of rural households. He urged officials and field functionaries to ensure effective implementation and…