Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on July 14 visited Sham district to review the progress of the Sindhu Central University (SCU), inaugurate the newly established Tia Model High School, and interact with local communities to assess developmental priorities related to education, infrastructure, tourism, and public services.

The visit began at Zer-thang Phobrang in Khaltsi, where the Chief Secretary paid obeisance and sought blessings from Yuda Rinpoche before proceeding to the Sindhu Central University transit campus at Zer-thang.

At the transit campus, Kundra inspected the multipurpose hall, classrooms, hostel facilities, and other academic infrastructure. He also held a virtual meeting with Vice Chancellor Dr. Chandrasekhar and senior university officials, including Prof. Sachin, to review the university's academic and administrative progress.

During the meeting, he inaugurated the Temperature Forecast System Portal and reviewed the admission process, faculty strength, and student enrolment. University officials informed him that some students are currently pursuing their academic programmes through temporary arrangements at IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras until the university becomes fully operational in Ladakh.

Emphasising the importance of providing quality higher education within Ladakh, the Chief Secretary assured the university administration that transportation facilities for students would be arranged if required. He directed SIDCO and other concerned agencies to coordinate closely with the university to resolve logistical issues and reiterated the Administration's commitment to supporting the institution.

Later, Kundra visited the under-construction permanent campus of Sindhu Central University at Go-thang, Khaltsi, where he reviewed the progress of ongoing works. He inspected the construction of academic buildings and reviewed plans for the proposed university hospital, water supply system, electricity connectivity, sewerage network, boundary wall, and other key infrastructure.

Expressing concern over delays despite contracts having already been awarded, he sought explanations from the executing agencies and contractors regarding the pace of work. He directed all departments to adopt an integrated and time-bound approach to ensure timely completion of the project.

Observing that the Environment Department functions directly under his charge, Kundra noted that no proposal seeking environmental clearance had reached his office. He instructed the concerned departments to remove procedural bottlenecks immediately and ensure seamless inter-departmental coordination for expediting the project.

The Chief Secretary later inaugurated the newly established Tia Model High School, where he inspected classrooms, the multipurpose hall, the Balvatika section, and other facilities. He appreciated the efforts of the School Education Department in strengthening educational infrastructure in the region.

During the visit, the School Management Committee submitted a memorandum seeking CBSE affiliation, additional teaching staff, student transportation, establishment of a DigiLab, construction of more classrooms, expansion of school land, improved internet connectivity, and other educational facilities. The committee also expressed gratitude to Secretary, School Education, Bhanu Prabha, for her continued support in developing the institution into a model school.

A public function was later organised by the villagers of Tia, where traditional leaders and Nambardars welcomed the Chief Secretary and submitted memoranda highlighting developmental priorities. The demands included tourism promotion, better road connectivity, parking facilities, expansion of the local Primary Health Centre, flood protection measures, development of trekking routes, promotion of organic farming, improved digital connectivity, and enhanced facilities for the local nunnery.

Community representatives also highlighted the significance of the anticipated visit of His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa to Ladakh after several years, stating that Tia village is preparing to host the occasion on a large scale. They sought sustained government support to promote the region's rich cultural and religious heritage and boost tourism-based livelihoods.

Addressing the gathering, Ashish Kundra said he was pleased to visit Tia after receiving repeated invitations from the local community and was impressed by the area's developmental potential. Referring to his review of Sindhu Central University, he reiterated the Administration's commitment to strengthening higher education and making quality educational opportunities more accessible to students from remote areas.

He said the creation of new districts and administrative units would improve governance and bring government services closer to the people. Assuring the villagers that their concerns would receive due attention, he directed the concerned departments, including PWD, PDD, and other line agencies, to address pending infrastructure issues at the earliest.

Highlighting the immense tourism potential of Tia and the Sham region, Kundra said the area possesses unique historical, cultural, religious, and natural assets that can drive sustainable economic growth. He encouraged local youth to explore opportunities in homestays, heritage tourism, trekking, and other community-based tourism initiatives, assuring full administrative support for developing the necessary infrastructure and creating employment opportunities.

The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Secretary, School Education, Bhanu Prabha; former Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson; Deputy Commissioner Sham; Chief Engineers of PWD and PDD; senior officers from various departments; university officials; and representatives of local institutions and village communities.