Leh, June 27: In a significant development, the General Council Meeting of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, chaired by Hon’ble Chairman/CEC Tashi Gyalson, convened to approve the District Capex Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. The meeting, held recently, saw active participation from council members and district officials.
At the onset of the session, DC/CEO LAHDC Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, presented the Capex budget, highlighting an allocation of Rs. 344.00 Crores, marking an increase from the previous year’s budget of Rs. 300.00 Crores. It was noted that the utilization rate for the previous fiscal year stood impressively at 96%, with Rs. 286.865 Crores effectively utilized across 307 completed physical works.
Various departments, including Public Works, Rural Development, PHE, I & FC, Agriculture, and Horticulture, provided detailed updates on the progress of budget allocations in their respective sectors. Councillors engaged in a vigorous question hour, seeking clarifications from district officers, with Executive Councillors offering pertinent remarks and assurances.
CEC Tashi Gyalson emphasized the council’s commitment to prioritizing concerns raised during the session, directing strict monitoring of project works by PWD and RDD contractors to uphold quality standards.
Highlighting achievements in the previous fiscal year, notable projects included the commencement of the Ladakh Cultural Centre Project, successful UPSC coaching under the Reway-Otzer Scheme, enhancements in educational infrastructure, technological advancements such as the installation of 4G BSNL towers, and improvements in healthcare facilities. The establishment of the Cooperative Super Bazar in Diskit was also cited as a milestone.
Expressing gratitude, CEC Tashi Gyalson acknowledged the efforts of councillors, district officers, and department heads, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and forthcoming meetings to address specific regional needs effectively.
The approved budget aims to sustain ongoing developmental initiatives and foster growth across various sectors in the Ladakh region, aligning with the council’s vision for comprehensive progress and prosperity.
