District Congress Committee, Leh released its poll manifesto titled ‘Congress Will Deliver’ on April 25 for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Rigzin Spalbar, MP candidate/ Former CEC said, “The manifesto reflects voices and aspiration of the people. We are committed to work for the development of the region and promise to give our best in achieving what has been promised.”

Highlighting the long pending demands of the people, Congress party promised to strive for Union Territory status, inclusion of Bhoti language in the eighth schedule of the Indian constitution and Kailash Mansarovar route via Chushul, Demchok, and Chumur. 

Ahead of the polls, some of the key promises made by the party are to address issues related to unemployment with special focus on women, creation of new parliamentary constituency and to bridge the gaps between Leh and Kargil, adequate political representation of the minorities in the LAHDC, opening of  Turtuk Khapulu road as well as Hanu Turtuk road, early award of contract and fast execution of work on  Zojila tunnel, Leh Padum Darcha road, Khardongla tunnel, Parangla tunnel to connect Kiber and Korzok, creation of Changthang Development Authority under tourism sector and commission of the Nubra Development authority. 

Highlighting the party priority set on the education sector, Rigzin Spalbar said that in the national level manifesto, Indian National Congress has promised for 6% of the GDP on education which is only 3%. At the district level, the manifesto listed creation of Central University, Medical and Engineering colleges, the opening of more Navodaya and Kendriya Vidyalayas in Ladakh on need basis and Sainik School. Special package from the Ministry of Culture and Languages for the creation of Bhoti and Arabic language teachers for all the schools in Ladakh and to make CIBS deemed to University fully functional in letter and spirit are also promised.

Promises for early completion of the power transmission line between Phyang and Nubra, explore and tap the potential of Geothermal energy from the Puga hot springs, water conservation project, multipurpose hydel projects on Siachen and Shayok rivers, steps for a new airport for Zanskar at Padum and expansion/ upgradation of Kargil airport for the operation of medium capacity civilian flights, issues pertaining to defense such as procurement of labour, preference to local candidates during the recruitment in Ladakh scouts, paramilitary forces and other regiments of the Indian Army were made.

Also, to take up issues of curtailment of ration quota, escalation of LPG rate, fuel prices, enhancing the central allocation of funds for Ladakh in the tourism sector, promoting agriculture sector, development of standard international standard infrastructure in Ladakh to promote sports are some other points highlighted in the document.