Yash Khajuria
Leh, Sept 05: In a move aimed at enhancing local governance, the Union Territory administration of Ladakh, under the direction of Lieutenant Governor B.D. Mishra, has appointed three new members to the 5th Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil.
This significant development was formalized through an official notification issued by the General Administration Department of Ladakh, adhering to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act, 1997.
The official notification, issued by Michael M. D’Souza, IAS, Administrative Secretary of the General Administration Department of Ladakh, confirmed the nomination of three individuals to the council. The new members are Namgyal Phuntsok, son of Tundup Dorjay from Raru, Zanskar; Regzin Gurnath, son of Kawang Tundup from Garkone; and Ms. Hakima Khatoon, wife of Shamim Ahmad from Shakar Chiktan, Kargil.
These appointments were made in accordance with the provisions of the LAHDC Act, which empowers the Lieutenant Governor to nominate members to the council. This decision is seen as a strategic step towards reinforcing local governance and ensuring inclusive representation within the region.
The LAHDC, Kargil, holds a crucial role in managing the governance and development of Ladakh, particularly addressing the unique needs of Kargil and Zanskar. The council has been instrumental in advancing various development initiatives tailored to the region’s distinct cultural and geographical characteristics.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Ladakh, including BJP State President Phunchok Stanzin, Hon’ble CEC Chairman LAHDC Adv Tashi Gyalson, and District President of Kargil Mohd Ali Chandan, extended their congratulations to the new appointees. BJP Zanskar President Stanzin Lakpa expressed gratitude to the UT administration for the timely appointments, noting that the positions had been vacant for an extended period.
Lakpa commended the administration’s efforts and expressed confidence that the newly appointed members would diligently fulfill their responsibilities, addressing the concerns and needs of the people from remote areas of the region. He also urged the LG Administration to fill an additional vacant post within the Hill Council to ensure comprehensive representation.
In a related development, President BJP Zanskar Stanzin Lakpa extended heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for granting district status to Zanskar, a long-standing demand of the local populace.
The recent appointments are expected to further strengthen the LAHDC’s role in regional development and governance, reflecting the administration’s commitment to enhancing local leadership and addressing the unique challenges of Ladakh.
