Leh, Jan 28, 2026: In a significant step towards women empowerment and national integration, 30 girl students and two faculty members from Government Degree College (GDC) Drass were on Tuesday flagged off for a National Educational and Cultural Tour covering Kerala, Kanyakumari, and Delhi.
The tour was flagged off by Ms. Bhanu Prabha (IAS), Administrative Secretary, Higher Education Department, UT Ladakh, under the Gender Inclusive Equity Initiative of the PM-USHA scheme. The flagging-off ceremony was attended by Dr. Tsewang Motup, State Nodal Officer PM-USHA; Dr. Sameena Iqbal, State Project Director PM-USHA; and Prof. Yangdol, Principal, EJM College Leh.
Addressing the students, Ms. Bhanu Prabha urged them to make the most of the exposure, describing the tour as an opportunity to experience India’s cultural and geographical diversity. She said the students would act as ambassadors of UT Ladakh, carrying the region’s values while learning from the traditions and best practices of South India. She also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, Government of India, noting that such initiatives help shape informed and confident youth in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
For most of the participants, the journey marks their first visit outside UT Ladakh and first-ever air travel experience.
Meanwhile, the Principal of GDC Drass, who is also the District Nodal Officer, informed that ₹7.13 crore has been sanctioned under PM-USHA for colleges in Kargil district, a move expected to significantly boost girl education and women empowerment in the region.
The Department of Higher Education stated that this tour is the first phase of a broader initiative, with similar educational tours planned for students of GDC Kargil, GDC Zanskar, and the Sankoo campus in February.
