Leh, Sept 08: Expedition of issuance of the remaining notifications for the three new criminal laws in Ladakh, timely achievement of targets for various central flagship schemes, preservation and renovation of region’s ancient monuments, besides development of the Chumathang hot spring as a site for international-level medical tourism under the traditional system of Sowa-Rigpa were some of the key instructions issued by the Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan reviewed the progress of developmental works and Central Flagship Schemes in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The all-important meeting on Sunday was held in the presence of Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat.
According to a warm welcome to Mohan during his visit to Ladakh, the LG emphasised that Ladakh is a peaceful region with warm-hearted people. He highlighted the unique geographical and climatic challenges faced by the people of Ladakh due to extreme conditions. The LG also highlighted the short working season in Ladakh, which is just limited to five-six months.
“Despite these constraints, the Ladakh Administration is dedicated to ensuring completion of all developmental work within the short working season,” the LG said and emphasised the Administration’s commitment to working round the year to ensure the well-being and development of citizens of Ladakh.
Advisor to the LG, Dr Pawan Kotwal provided a comprehensive presentation on the implementation of three new criminal laws in the Union Territory of Ladakh which were enforced from July 01, 2024.
He informed that workshops and awareness programmes were conducted across the region to familiarise the people of Ladakh with these new criminal laws. He said that extensive publicity campaigns were carried out through electronic, print, and social media to ensure widespread awareness.
Dr Kotwal also informed that the first FIR under the new criminal laws was registered in Kargil on July 1, 2024.
The Advisor to the LG also delivered a detailed presentation on key issues related to infrastructure and manpower in Ladakh. He highlighted the challenges surrounding manpower requirements, including the need for additional personnel and the creation of new posts.
He further discussed the public safety measures implemented by UT Administration to enhance the security and well-being of the residents of Ladakh.
The Advisor provided further insights into the administrative setup of the Union Territory of Ladakh. He highlighted the steps taken to empower both the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), enhancing their role in local governance and decision-making. He also discussed various initiatives undertaken by the UT administration to improve governance for efficient and transparent public services.
He also presented a comprehensive overview of the implementation of the Government of India’s flagship schemes in Ladakh, showcasing the progress and impact of these initiatives in areas such as infrastructure development, public services and overall development.
The Advisor to the LG also addressed key issues related to public employment in Ladakh, outlining efforts being made to create job opportunities and resolve employment-related challenges in the region. He highlighted the ongoing carbon-neutral initiatives to ensure sustainable growth in the region by minimising impact on the environment. He also provided updates on ongoing road projects in Ladakh to improve connectivity in the high-altitude and rugged terrain of the region.
The Advisor also discussed various initiatives led by the UT Administration in sectors like tourism, agriculture, dairy, handloom, and handicrafts, which are vital for economic development and promoting Ladakh’s cultural heritage.
The Advisor informed about the proposed 24×7 water supply project in Leh and Kargil towns to provide uninterrupted water supply to residents. He also provided the latest status on the establishment of a Medical College in Leh to enhance healthcare facilities in the region.
The Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan instructed the Home Department to expedite the issuance of the remaining notifications for the three new criminal laws in the Union Territory of Ladakh. He directed the concerned administrative secretaries to ensure timely achievement of targets for various central flagship schemes being implemented in the region. He also emphasised the need for a meeting with the Border Road Organisation (BRO) to assess the progress of road infrastructure projects in the region.
Recognising the cultural significance of Ladakh, Mohan asked the Secretary of Culture Department to collaborate with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to protect, preserve and renovate ancient monuments in the region.
He spoke with the Director General of Tourism about the development of the Chumathang hot spring as a site for international-level medical tourism under the traditional system of Sowa-Rigpa.
Govind Mohan stated that he would convene a review meeting with the Secretaries of the relevant ministries to discuss and resolve the issues flagged by the UT administration.
Advisor to the LG, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS; Principal Secretary, Sanjeev Khirwar, IAS; ADGP, Ladakh, Dr SD Singh Jamwal, IPS; Administrative Secretaries; DIG, Leh Kargil Range, Sheikh Junaid Mahmood, IPS; Deputy Commissioner, Kargil Shrikant Suse, IAS; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS; Directors and HODs were present during the meeting.
Earlier on Saturday, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan held a productive meeting with Chairman and CEC of LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson to discuss several critical issues concerning the development and governance of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
At the outset of their meeting, Gyalson expressed his deep gratitude to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and the Union Home Secretary for their historic decision to create five new districts in Ladakh. He urged the government for early notification of committee to expedite the process.
Chairman Gyalson also highlighted the critical need to reserve gazetted posts exclusively for the residents of Ladakh. He stressed the importance of promptly issuing notifications for gazetted recruitment, establishing a Public Service Commission and issue of Administrative and Police Services matter.
Additionally, he called for constitutional safeguards to protect land, employment, culture, environment and trade, and advocated for the inclusion of the Bhoti language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution to preserve and promote the region’s linguistic heritage.
Chairman Gyalson also stressed the necessity of strengthening and empowering the LAHDCs, proposing the implementation of reservation policies for women in LAHDC to advance gender equality and increase female participation in governance.
The meeting further addressed the need for the early rationalization of the boundaries of the Karakoram and Changthang wildlife sanctuaries, as well as Hemis National Park, to better balance conservation efforts with local development needs especially in context of newly created district’s.
Additionally, Chairman Tashi Gyalson highlighted the importance of implementing the Ladakh Casual and Other Workers Engagement and Welfare Scheme to enhance the working conditions and welfare of casual and contractual workers. He also emphasized the need to resolve interstate boundary disputes with the Jammu and Kashmir UT at Drass, and with Himachal Pradesh at Sarchu and Shingkula. Furthermore, he advocated for the operation of heli-services in UT Ladakh to improve connectivity and transportation within the region.
The meeting underscored a strong commitment to addressing Ladakh’s unique challenges and advancing its development. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan assured to look into the issues discussed and reaffirmed his continued efforts to achieve these objectives.
