Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) inaugurated the two-day Tribal Fest 2023 on June 6 at the University of Ladakh, Kargil campus, Kurbathang.

The fest was organised by the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) of the University of Ladakh, Kargil Campus.

Renowned scholar/folk singer, Tsewang Namgyal and Mohd Hussain were felicitated during the event. L-G also released a magazine of the University of Ladakh Kargil Campus, ‘Shese Stago’ (Gateway of Knowledge).

Terming education as the basic foundation for the growth of a person in life which should be given utmost priority, L-G assured to provide all possible assistance within his power for the development, enhancement, and advancement of education in Ladakh for the benefit of students. 

He emphasized the need to assist students from economically weaker sections to pursue their studies. He also highlighted the roles and responsibilities of students to study for gaining knowledge to become ideal citizens for society and the nation.

LG advised the youth to focus on entrepreneurship and skills development so that they can come up with their start-ups and ventures and become job providers instead of job seekers. He highlighted the importance of students passing out from colleges and universities to work for the development of society and the nation.

He also commended the standard of education in government schools due to the interest taken in the development and improvement of education by the concerned parents, students, community, and elected representatives. 

L-G instructed Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education, Padma Angmo to look into the issues raised by the officials of UoL Kargil Campus. He also instructed that priority must be given to the construction of the auditorium and also highlighted the need to give topmost priority to incomplete projects.

LG informed Chairman, LAHDC Kargil, Feroz Ahmed Khan that priority will be given to locals possessing Ladakh Residence Certificate (LRC) and 45% of seats will be reserved for the people from Ladakh belonging to Scheduled Tribe (ST) category as per Reservation Rules during recruitment drives in UoL and its constituent colleges.

Feroz Ahmed Khan appreciated the proposal submitted by the University Council to convert UoL from a Cluster to a State University which will benefit the students and faculty of the University. He requested the LG to take up the matter of establishing a full-fledged Government Degree College at Sankoo with the Ministry of Home Affairs. He informed about the steps taken by the Hill Council for the development of infrastructure at Government Degree College in Drass and Zanskar.

He stated that the establishment of the Tribal Research Institute at UoL Kargil Campus will be beneficial for the tribal population of Ladakh and hoped it would work for the promotion and preservation of the distinct and diverse cultures of Ladakh. He requested for the 45% reservation of seats for ST candidates from Ladakh during recruitment drives by the University of Ladakh for various permanent and contractual posts.  

Certificates of appreciation were distributed to the students for their academic excellence in various examinations/tests, winners of the Sustainable Campus Challenge held under the G20/Y20 umbrella, and participants who took part in personality development courses. He also inspected the stalls showcasing different tribal art, cultures, and cuisine of Ladakh by students and government/private departments/institutions.

Commissioner Secretary, Padma Angmo gave a brief introduction about the University of Ladakh. She informed about students pursuing different courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and the wait for approval from MHA for the establishment of the Government Degree College at Sankoo along with sanctioning various teaching/non-teaching posts for the College. She also informed about the plans of UoL along with the increase in grant-in-aid for the University.

Registrar, UoL, Dr Ashok Kumar Sharma apprised LG and other guests about the Tribal Research Institute, the conversion of the Tribal Research Centre into a Tribal Research Institute, and its various functions for the preservation and promotion of local culture.

Rector, UoL, Kaneez Fatima raised several issues, viz. construction of the road crossing for students; construction of an auditorium and school building; development of infrastructure; construction of four pre-fabricated classrooms; construction of Tribal Research Institute and sanctioning of posts; need for additional land for future expansion; need for a Central Library, central heating system and release of funds for various infrastructure development works.