Kargil, April 12: The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, inaugurated the newly constructed Rural Development Department (RDD) Complex and District Resource Centre at Kurbathang, along with a state-of-the-art Co-Working Space in Kargil.
Built at a cost of ₹19.56 crore, the RDD Complex brings multiple key offices under one roof, including the Directorate, Assistant Commissioner Development, and District Panchayat Officer, ensuring streamlined governance and better coordination. The complex is equipped with a Resource Centre, library, and a conference hall to support planning and capacity building.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the new infrastructure would significantly strengthen rural planning and governance delivery, particularly in remote and underserved areas of Kargil. He emphasized that the facilities would enhance institutional capacity and ensure more effective implementation of development programmes.
Highlighting the broader vision, he said the project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat” initiative, calling it a major step toward inclusive and sustainable development in geographically challenging regions.
Focusing on rural transformation, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to Gramin Vikas, driven by speed, sensitivity, and skill, with the aim of ensuring equitable growth across all sections of society.
He also underlined Ladakh’s strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders, stressing that infrastructure development and tourism promotion are essential for strengthening livelihoods and achieving self-reliance among the people.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the global potential of local products such as pashmina, apricot, and sea buckthorn, stating that improved packaging, branding, and marketing could enhance their competitiveness in international markets. He assured continued support for value addition and better market linkages for local producers.
Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the Co-Working Space set up by the Department of Industries and Commerce, describing it as a major boost to entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. The facility aims to serve as a collaborative hub for start-ups, freelancers, and young professionals, offering modern workspace, infrastructure, and networking opportunities.
The initiative, he noted, reflects the administration’s commitment to fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem and ensuring inclusive, sustainable economic growth in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
