Leh: Asserting that on August 5 the Union government acceded that demand long pending demand of Ladakhis, Block Development Councillor, Chairman, Leh, Skalazang Dorjey said that Article 370 was only beneficial for ruling parties and hurdle in implementing many central laws.
How do you see the government’s decision of making Ladakh as UT after 3 years?
Skalazang said that union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah acceded the long pending demand of Ladakhis on August 5, 2019.
He further said Article 370 was only beneficial for ruling parties. “The government streamlined the system by scrapping Article 370,” he said.
He added that BJP welcomed the decision and people are happy with it.
How UT’s administration changed the pace of developmental activities?
Skalazang informed that the during pre -Union Territory, the budget was Rs 57 crore, which was inadequate to meet the developmental activities.
“After the Ladakh become UT, the budget has been increased to Rs 6000 crores which includes special developmental packages,” he said.
He added that increased budget also pave way for the mega projects in Ladakh.
“After the Ladakh become Union Territory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioned University of Ladakh and recently government also sanctioned Sindhu central University,” he said adding that the earlier students were compelled to go outside.
He added that engineering and medical college are coming up. He also said medial projects like port terminal, which will be inaugurated by PM Modi. Apart from this, the project of basic necessities is being executed in UT.
“If see the developmental perspective of Ladakh after it become UT, Ladakh is moving on fastrack pace,” he said.
Which initiatives have been taken to empower Panchayt Representatives?
He said before abrogation of Article 370, the panchayat elections were held once or twice, which are important part of grass root democracy.
“The gram panchayats are very developed in neighbouring states and election were held as per the scheduled,” he said.
He said that after the abrogation of article 370 first time the election Block Development Council were held. “And people are not aware of BDCs as the 3- tier were never strengthened before August 5,” he said.
He added that now people being getting familiar with the system.
“Now with the strengthening, centrally sponsored schemes are being implemented,” he added.
How you see demand of UT with legislature?
He said that the opposition have perception that the article 370 can’t not be removed. “I remember when Ghulam Nabi said that if Article 370 revoked, black rains will shower,” he said.
He said that the when BJP has full majority the party revoked Article 370.
“On August 5, Article 350 was revoked, government also acceded the demand of people including Ladakh Buddhist Association and all other parties by granting status of UT to Ladakh,” he said.
He said that earlier no one has asked to UT with legislature.
“No opposition raising different demands to diffuse developmental agenda of Union government,” he said.
