The two day General Council Meeting under the chairmanship of Dorjay Motup, CEC was convened over the annual draft plan 2018-19 with the proposed outlay of ₹ 135.89 crores on April 12 and 13 at Assembly Hall, Council Secretariat, Leh.

Chhering Dorjay, Minister for Cooperatives and Ladakh Affairs, Thupstan Chhewang, MP, Executive councillors, Councillors, Avny Lavasa, DC and Head of the departments were present.

Series of discussion in view of the work of different departments, sector and region was held. The councillors discussed on the proposed plan, problems and issues of the respective constituencies to carry out the work in planned and effective way.

Addressing the house, Dorjey Motup, CEC informed about the ceiling of ₹ 135.89 crores under Capex Budget 2018-19 for the Leh district by the Department of planning and development.  The budget includes ₹57.02 crore under regular schemes, ₹ 12 crores under NABARD loan assistance, ₹ 2 crores as NABARD State share, ₹ 55.45 crores under centrally sponsored schemes and ₹ 9.42 crore as state matching share for centrally sponsored schemes. 

The annual budget of 2018-19 in respect of Leh district is made ₹ 135.89 crores against last year’s ₹ 129.48 crores.

Talking about conducting the procedure of General Council meeting in Ladakhi language, Sonam Dorjay, Councillor, Lingshed constituency reiterate the unanimous decision made by the Executive Councilors and councillors during the meeting held under the chairmanship of Late Dr. Sonam Dawa, the then CEC on December 31, 2017, at Council secretariat.

 

He said, “The decision was made for a step towards preservation and promotion of our language and also to make the general public aware about the discussion and decision made in the annual meeting through  local radio and television.”

Thupstan Chhewang said, “Ladakhi is a recognized language in the state and no one can object anyone speaking the language in the house”. 

He suggested proper translator and interpreter in the next meeting so that the district officers who cannot understand the language can simultaneously understand the proceedings of the house carried out in Ladakhi language.

Dorjay Motup informed the house that the language of the next meeting will be carried out in Ladakhi with proper planning and necessary requirements to make it successful. 

Series of discussion about the major sectors such as agriculture, tourism, education, food supply, PHE, Roads and Building, Flood control, labour, revenue and many other sectors were made.

Highlighting various plans and funds allocation in the different sectors some of the main plans were the promotion and adoption of organic farming in the district by replacing the chemical fertilizers with the bio fertilizers and compost method and introduction of bio pesticides, provision of modern line basic amenities to visiting tourists in the district, promotion of handicraft and handloom sectors by establishing new centers to train unemployed youth, to start IT and smart classes in all the schools, plantation in all the degraded areas of the forest, to develop Nyoma, Durbuk, Nubra and city parks on modern lines, measures to control feral dog population and many other.

However, due to issues regarding reconciliation and preparation of final expenditure, the new budget highlighted in the plan book also created confusion among the councillor. The plan book showed the new proposed amount of some sector increased as compared to the last year budget despite having the amount left unspent. 

Along with the development plans and decisions, the councilor also highlighted certain issues such as implementation of new rate list of the fruits and vegetables by the price fixation committee without the consent and approval of concern Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh, nepotism in the teachers transfer policy and the non inclusion of nominated councillor in the review meeting of LAHDC, Leh.

Dorjey Motup talked about the Hill Council commitment to ensure the basic amenities such as road connectivity, safe drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, quality education, health facilities besides better lanes and drains in the district.

He asked the officers of concerned departments to gear up their man and machinery in providing modern and basic amenities across the district. 

On the second day, the house proceeding was disrupted for some time when Phuntsog Dorjay, Councillor Phyang constituency alleged one of the district officers for misbehaving and harassing him for taking up an issue by the councillor in the house. 

Standing against the incident and wrong attitude by the officers, all the councillors walked away from the house and demanded action against the alleged officer.

Chhering Dorjay said, “The councillors of the LAHDC are elected by the people and deserves equal respect by everyone.”

Dorjay Motup requested Deputy Commissioner to take disciplinary action against the officer for which Avny Lavasa ensured the Hill council for the same.

A resolution declaring May 19 as ‘Leadership Day’ to commemorate Gyalsras Bakula Rinpoche was also passed in the house.  The day will be observed by imparting the life of Bakula Rinpoche, his vision, dedication and work for the society in all the educational institution. Besides, the Govt. employees will dedicate extra 2 hours from their working hours on the day.