Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Feroz Ahmad Khan unfurled the national flag during the 73rd Republic day celebration at Khree Sultan Chow sports stadium.

Congratulating the people on Republic Day, CEC Khan recalled the contributions of the makers of the Indian Constitution and the supreme sacrifices of national heroes who laid down their lives for the country. He hailed the services of the Army, paramilitary forces, and police in guarding the frontiers in harsh conditions and for maintaining peace, order, and internal security in the country.

Reiterating the sacrifices of leaders for the future of the nation, he said that the biggest tribute to them is if we can work on the principles of peace and justice for the development of the country.

While highlighting the achievements, development activities, and plans in the district, CEC said that LAHDC Kargil is fully committed to the overall development of the district in all sectors, and in this regard, several important initiatives have been taken up. He also informed that under LAHDC, Kargil, several developmental measures have been taken up in many departments like health, PWD, Tourism, Sports, Rural Development, and various works are undergoing in these departments.

He said that the education sector was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and despite that, the educational activities continued in the district with every possible measure. He said that at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, radio, TV, and social media were used as a medium of education and special education programs were organized for students. Khan informed that ICT labs, smart classes have been established in 54 government schools to impart quality education to the students. Apart from that 8,650 free tablets were distributed among students of 7th to 12th classes to help them attend the online classes, which created a positive impact.

CEC said to continue classes during the pandemic situation, community classes were started in the district during which volunteers took an active part in the community classes. He said classes were started in 488 villages/Mohallas in which 2,119 volunteers and 1,810 teachers imparted education to students. 18,673 students were benefitted from the community classes.

He said that education has been a top priority of LAHDC Kargil during the Covid-19 pandemic and Rs 2 Crores has been allotted for winter tuition for Kargil adding that winter tuition has been started in 150 centers in the district. He said for the convenience of students, 6 buses were bought under the SDP scheme.
Regarding unemployment, CEC said every effort will be made to fill the vacancies in various government departments and this process will start soon. He said that unemployed youth will be provided better employment opportunities in various departments.

Khan said recently 53 vacant posts of Account Assistant have been filled and this recruitment is the example of the transparent recruitment process. He thanked employees of the Employment Department, especially Deputy Commissioner Kargil, for completing this recruitment process in a time-bound manner.

Talking about the health sector, CEC said they are constantly monitoring the Covid-19 and have fast-tracked the vaccination drive for students of 15-18 years of age. Doctors, paramedical, staff, frontlines workers, and people above 60 years of age have been inoculated the booster doses of vaccine.

He said to provide quality health care services to patients, 6 critical care and 17 transport ambulances have been kept available at different places. Given the third Covid-19 wave they have planted 6 oxygen plants in the district having an oxygen generation capacity of 100-1000 LPM.

Feroz Ahmed Khan said under PWD CRF the construction work of roads at the cost of Rs 120 crore is undergoing in the district, while under PMGSY Rs 220 crores have been sanctioned for 23 new schemes on which work has been started. He also said that a total of Rs 50 crore and 43 lakhs has been spent on 23 various road construction works, and under the SDP scheme 21 new bridges are at the completion stage. Similarly, Rs 15 crores and 39 lakhs have been spent on the construction of bridges at places of the district including Thuluspursa, Padum, Lugnak, Parichumik, Akhchamal, and Karkitchu and work has been completed. Rs 29 crores has been spent on macadamization of 48 kilometer long roads and the work has been completed. He also said in the interiors of the district, complete macadamization of roads has been achieved.

Regarding Kargil-Zanskar national highway (NH 301), CEC said the construction work of road widening is going on at war-footing basis for which Rs 800 crores have been sanctioned.

To provide clean drinking water to every household of the district under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), PHE Department has got Rs 350 crores. Till date, 145 functional household taps have been provided at different places. As of now Rs 31 crores has been spent on the same scheme. 

He also highlighted several developmental works carried out in the agriculture and horticulture department, road projects under the various scheme, development of helipads skill development, sports, etc.

CEC congratulated Akhon Asgar Ali Basharat who has been honoured with the Padma Shri award in the field of education and literature. He also congratulated DSP Muhammad Aslam for receiving Police President Medal, the state awardees, especially Master Muhammad Hussain, Tashi Tundup, and Mustafa Kamal.

On behalf of Hill Council Kargil, Khan thanked the UT administration, especially the Lieutenant Governor Ladakh, RK Mathur for his support and cooperation for the overall development of the Kargil district. He also thanked district officers especially Deputy Commissioner and CEO LAHDC Kargil, Santosh Sukhadeve, SSP Anayat Choudhary, and other district officers for their continuous hard work and support.

Meanwhile, colorful cultural programs were also presented by the artists of Ladakh Cultural Academy Kargil.