Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Leh, chaired a review meeting on November 28 to assess the financial and physical progress of developmental works under the Special Development Package (SDP) and State Sector at the DC Conference Hall, Leh.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman Tsering Angchuk, Executive Councillors Stanzin Chosphel, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, and Ghulam Mehdi; Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve; ADC Leh, Ghulam Mohd; Chief Engineers of PWD and PDD; Joint Director of Planning; CPO Leh, and other Heads of Departments (HoDs).

CEC Tashi Gyalson sought updates on the funds required based on the physical achievements of ongoing works. He directed officers to identify projects under SDP and the State Sector that may not be completed within the current financial year and prioritize clearing liabilities and pending bills for ongoing projects.

Reviewing department-wise expenditures for FY 2024-25, he instructed HoDs to expedite the utilization of allocated funds to ensure timely completion of developmental initiatives.

Addressing concerns over curtailed budgets for Ladakh, CEC emphasized the need for the Government of India to grant special relaxations due to the region's short working season, challenging terrain, and limited manpower. He proposed shifting the excess surrender of funds from October to January, allowing for a more accurate assessment of requirements until the financial year’s end.

CEC informed the gathering that Lieutenant Governor Brig. (Dr.) BD Mishra (Retd.) had recently met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi to address the issue of budget cuts. He expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor for his proactive efforts and optimism for a favourable response from the Union Government.

The CEC also outlined that billing for developmental works must be completed by the end of December, with final expenditure figures finalized by January. He urged HoDs to ensure sufficient manpower in their departments to facilitate timely paperwork and the smooth execution of projects.