The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), chaired a meeting with senior officers and officials in Kargil on November 8, discussing a range of issues including competitive coaching programs for students, the introduction of B.Ed courses at the University of Ladakh, and travel arrangements for winter.

The meeting focused on enhancing educational opportunities and ensuring safe winter travel for patients, students, and passengers between Leh and Kargil to Srinagar, Jammu, and Chandigarh, as Ladakh becomes isolated during the winter months. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the importance of planning for winter air travel to minimize disruptions for travellers.

Among the topics discussed was the introduction of a B.Ed course at the University of Ladakh. It was decided that the course would be started as soon as possible to prevent students from having to travel outside Ladakh for their education. The Lieutenant Governor instructed officials to expedite the process to improve access to teacher training in the region. Additionally, the issue of B.Ed students whose examination centers are outside the Union Territory was raised.

The introduction of coaching programs for meritorious students in Ladakh also came up for discussion, with a focus on both academic and competitive coaching. The initiative aims to enhance student performance and provide better educational support.

It was noted that meritorious students from Leh and Kargil districts are currently sent outside Ladakh on a scholarship for NEET coaching. Additionally, 25 students from Leh district are sponsored annually to pursue civil services coaching outside the Union Territory.

The Lieutenant Governor directed that the civil services coaching model used in Leh be replicated in Kargil. He also announced an increase in the annual quota for civil services coaching from 25 to 40 students from each district, expanding student opportunities to benefit from these programs.