KD NEWS SERVICE
ZANSKAR, Dec 5: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, on Thursday reaffirmed the Union Territory Administration’s unwavering commitment to inclusive growth, stronger grassroots institutions and improved public infrastructure as he inaugurated a series of significant development initiatives in Zanskar. Addressing a large public gathering, he described the projects as crucial milestones that would fortify Ladakh’s foundation for long-term, people-centric progress, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
Reiterating the Administration’s resolve to bridge infrastructure gaps across the region, the Lt Governor inaugurated four new Community Halls in the Lungnak Block. Constructed under the Special Development Package at a cumulative cost of ₹1 crore, these facilities are expected to serve as vibrant centres for social gatherings, cultural events, educational sessions, winter tuitions and government outreach programmes. Gupta stressed that despite geographical challenges and harsh climatic conditions, the Administration remains committed to bringing modern amenities to every village in Ladakh, ensuring that development truly reaches the grassroots.
In a strong push towards social reform, the Lt Governor also launched the ‘Nayi Chetna 4.0’ Campaign, a national initiative aimed at promoting gender equality and fostering gender-sensitive community environments. He noted that the campaign would contribute significantly towards addressing gender-based discrimination by creating awareness through workshops, training sessions and community participation. Empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities, he said, form the backbone of a progressive society, and Ladakh must continue to move forward with this vision.
Further strengthening governance mechanisms at the local level, Shri Kavinder Gupta unveiled the RGSA Training Calendar for 2025–26, approved by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj at a cost of ₹9.82 crore under Ladakh’s Annual Action Plan. During the coming year, 5,883 participants, including elected Panchayati Raj Institution members, Panchayat Secretaries, frontline workers and community leaders, will undergo structured training worth ₹1.88 crore. These programmes, the Lt Governor noted, will enhance digital governance, decentralised planning, transparency and accountability in local bodies, thereby supporting Ladakh’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals at the grassroots.
Reflecting on the overarching support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor said that the PM has consistently prioritised the development of border regions like Ladakh, recognising their strategic importance, community strength and immense untapped potential. He added that the projects inaugurated today mirror the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant, well-connected and modern Ladakh where infrastructure, livelihood opportunities and social well-being move hand in hand.
The event also witnessed strong public participation and appreciation from local representatives. Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Er Punchok Tashi, expressed gratitude to the UT Administration for addressing the longstanding demand for granting district status to Zanskar, hoping that the region would soon have a fully functional district. Administrative Secretary Shashanka Ala highlighted the remarkable developmental strides made in recent years, including the construction of crucial roads that have significantly reduced travel time and ensured round-the-clock electricity. She underscored that coordinated efforts between the Administration and local communities have accelerated progress, enabling the subdivision to achieve top national ranking among aspirational blocks across 39 key indicators in agriculture, health, education, infrastructure and social development. She also noted the successful construction of 620 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, reflecting the Administration’s commitment to improving living conditions.
Councillors Stanzin Jigmet and Namgyal Phuntsog also addressed the gathering, praising the Administration’s dedication to strengthening Ladakh through sustainable development and community partnership. Senior officials, including Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, Director RDD, SDM Zanskar, ACD Kargil, Chief Engineer PHE, Chief Medical Officer Kargil, District Sheep Husbandry Officer and members of Self-Help Groups, were present at the function, reflecting the Administration’s integrated approach to development.
In his concluding remarks, LG Gupta called upon the people of Zanskar to continue supporting the developmental journey with unity and active participation. He expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated infrastructure, combined with capacity-building and gender-sensitisation efforts, would create sustainable opportunities and significantly improve the quality of life in Zanskar and the wider Ladakh region.
