Leh, June 30: A delegation from the All Ladakh Transport Association (ALTA), led by former Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Ji in New Delhi on Sunday and put forth their issues and demands.
The delegation included Nawang Samstan, President of the Ladakh Transport Cooperative Society Leh; Thinles Namgyail, President of the Ladakh Taxi Cooperative Society Leh; and Tsewang Dorjay, Secretary General of the Ladakh Bus Cooperative Society Leh.
The delegation asked for the removal of the vintage clause from the current tendering rules, suggesting that vehicle fitness, assessed by both the Regional Transport Office and the Army Transport Office, should determine vehicle hiring instead of vehicle age. They explained that this change would better suit the unique challenges of Ladakh’s harsh climate, where vehicles are only usable for half the year.
An official statement said: The delegation presented letters to the Defence Minister, emphasizing the importance of this change for the local transport industry and the economy of Ladakh’s border residents who depend on these transport services. They also congratulated Sh. Rajnath Singh Ji on his reappointment as Hon’ble Raksha Mantri and thanked him for his ongoing support, urging him to consider their proposal urgently.
In addition to the vintage clause, the delegation discussed other key issues affecting Ladakh and sought the Defence Minister’s support for the overall well-being of the region.
The delegation is hopeful that their request will be promptly and favorably considered, positively impacting the transport sector and the local economy in Ladakh.
