Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), reviewed the progress of ongoing and upcoming projects from various departments with Departmental Secretaries and Heads of Departments on November 4 at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat.

During the meeting, the Lt. Governor urged the departmental heads to fulfill their duties diligently, thoroughly examine cases before submission, and adhere strictly to administrative and legal protocols. He emphasized the need for a committee dedicated to assessing financial aid for cases of accidents and natural disasters to ensure timely assistance for affected residents. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of providing adequate accommodation and a warm reception for officials assigned to the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Key issues discussed included the formation of the Civil Services Board, requests from Ladakhi students enrolled in B.Ed. programs at private colleges in Jammu & Kashmir for an examination center in Ladakh, and the need for manpower sharing agreements with the UT of J&K. Border issues between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, the acquisition of an MRI machine for Kargil’s District Hospital, arrangements for a group of 50 Ladakhi students attending a camp in Gujarat, and central budget allocations for UT Ladakh were also addressed.

Other topics covered were the employment of outsourced staff across UT Ladakh departments, training for new police recruits at J&K’s training center, and measures to enhance the police system to curb theft incidents. The LG also raised concerns about unfair recruitment practices at the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa and the rationalization of boundaries for Changthang and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuaries. Discussions included the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor and filling vacancies at the University of Ladakh, introducing Geography courses in local schools and colleges, retrospective recognition for students with B.Ed. and B.P.Ed. degrees, and updates on establishing Government Engineering and Medical Colleges in Ladakh. The status of draft recruitment rules for gazetted posts was also reviewed.

Advisor Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Commissioner/Secretary Dr. Vasanthakumar N, Commissioner/Secretary Padma Angmo, Commissioner/Secretary to the LG Dr. L. Franklin, Secretary Yetindra Maralkar, Secretary Vikram Malik, Secretary Michael D’Souza, Secretary Shashanka Ala, Secretary Bhanu Prabha, along with Directors, HODs, and other representatives, attended the meeting.