Leh, Aug 26: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday approved the creation of five new districts in the union territory of Ladakh.
The newly formed districts—Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang—are expected to play a crucial role in bolstering administrative efficiency and ensuring that government schemes reach even the most remote areas.
Announcing the decision, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to the development of Ladakh. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shah stated, “In pursuit of PM Narendra Modi Ji’s vision to build a developed and prosperous Ladakh, the MHA has decided to create five new districts in the union territory. The new districts, namely Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra and Changthang, will take the benefits meant for the people to their doorsteps by bolstering governance in every nook and cranny. The Modi government is committed to creating abundant opportunities for the people of Ladakh.”
The establishment of these new districts is seen as a strategic move to bring governance closer to the people of Ladakh, a region known for its difficult terrain and scattered population. The decision aligns with the broader objective of the central government to promote balanced regional development and ensure that the benefits of growth reach the grassroots level.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the announcement, expressing optimism that the creation of these new districts will lead to improved access to government services, better infrastructure, and enhanced economic opportunities. The move is also expected to facilitate more efficient implementation of government programs, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, and rural development.
With this decision, Ladakh now has a total of nine districts, a significant increase that reflects the region’s growing administrative needs following its designation as a union territory in 2019. The newly formed districts are expected to become operational in the coming months, with the government likely to announce further details regarding their administrative setup and boundaries.