The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), convened a review meeting with Department Secretaries, Directors, and Heads of Departments (HODs) at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat on December 17. The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing projects, upcoming initiatives, and addressing issues related to the smooth functioning of various departments under the UT Administration.

At the outset, the LG referred to the attendees as his team working on the ground for the welfare of the people of Ladakh. He sought their cooperation to achieve a “Corruption and Delay-Free Ladakh,” emphasizing that delays are a form of corruption. He urged all departments to clear pending files promptly and ensure timely release of salaries for permanent, outsourced, and daily-wage employees.

The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including, latest status of the recruitment rules of gazetted posts to be sent to UPSC and Ministry of Home Affairs; the illegal naka points of Transport Association; the status of the tendering process for helicopter services in Ladakh; the possibility of operating chartered aeroplanes for stranded passengers during the winter months; the current status of the airport at Kargil and Thoise; the appointment of nodal officers along with their training for the smooth movement of stranded Ladakhi passengers from  Chandigarh/Srinagar/Jammu to Leh; the raising of an additional battalion of Ladakh Scouts in Ladakh; the status of winter classes for students of UT Ladakh during the winter break; the current status of Jal Jeevan Mission scheme and status of BSNL 4G saturation project in Ladakh, etc.

Other key discussions included the Industrial Policy, accommodation arrangements for officials such as chairpersons, members, and judges, vehicle permits (UT and national), participation of Ladakhi artisans at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, and strengthening the manpower of Ladakh Police.

After detailed deliberations, the LG issued several directives:
•    Education: The Secretary of School Education was directed to organize winter classes until board examinations to ensure better academic outcomes. The LG also emphasized zero attachment of teaching and non-teaching staff to non-educational duties.
•    Employment: Highlighting the urgency of employment opportunities, the LG urged the framing of Recruitment Rules for gazetted posts at the earliest to benefit Ladakhi youth.
•    Transport: He called for a ban on illegal checkpoints set up by the Transport Association.
•    Agriculture and Horticulture: The Secretary of Agriculture and Horticulture was instructed to implement measures to enhance the income of Ladakhis through improved agricultural and horticultural practices.
•    Telecommunication: The LG directed Advisor Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, to convene a meeting with BSNL and IT officials to expedite the 4G saturation project and improve connectivity in remote areas.
•    Sports Development: The LG instructed the Youth Services and Sports Department to promote sports such as ice hockey to encourage maximum participation of Ladakhi youth at national and international levels. Additionally, he asked for the preparation of a Ladakhi polo team and the organization of a polo tournament featuring teams from other states.
•    Tourism: To boost Kargil’s tourism sector, the LG emphasized implementing practical projects and ensuring basic infrastructure to attract more tourists to the district.
•    Stranded Passengers: He stressed the importance of training appointed nodal officers to professionally manage the movement of stranded passengers from Chandigarh, Srinagar, and Jammu to Ladakh during the winter months.
•    Water Supply: The Secretary of PHE was instructed to resolve water supply issues under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) on a mission mode, ensuring every household has access to safe drinking water.
•    Police and Fire Safety: The LG directed the DGP Ladakh Police to train existing personnel and prepare for a manpower increase, anticipating the creation of five new districts in Ladakh. He also discussed deploying fire tenders to address fire emergencies effectively.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the LG, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS; Principal Secretary, Sanjeev Khirwar, IAS; DGP Ladakh Police, Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, IPS; and other senior officials, including Commissioner/Secretaries and Directors from various departments.