Zanskar: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today reaffirmed the UT Administration’s unwavering commitment to inclusive growth, grassroots empowerment and improved public infrastructure across the Union Territory.
He was addressing a public meeting in Zanskar after dedicating a series of important development initiatives to the people, describing them as significant milestones that will strengthen the region’s foundation for long-term progress.
Kavinder Gupta said that the initiatives inaugurated today reflect the Administration’s firm resolve to bridge developmental gaps and deliver modern facilities to even the most remote regions of Ladakh. He inaugurated four new Community Halls constructed under the Special Development Package in Lungnak Block at a cost of Rs 1 crore. These halls, he noted, will serve as vital centres for community activities, social events, educational programmes, winter tuitions and public outreach—thereby enhancing community cohesion and strengthening grassroots engagement.
The Lt Governor also launched the ‘Nayi Chetna 4.0’ Campaign, a national-level initiative aimed at promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment and gender-sensitive community environments. He said the campaign will play a key role in addressing gender-based discrimination and ensuring greater awareness through focused training sessions, workshops and community participation.
Kavinder Gupta further launched the RGSA Training Calendar 2025–26, under which the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has approved Rs 9.82 crore for Ladakh’s Annual Action Plan. This year, 5,883 participants—including elected representatives, Panchayat Secretaries, frontline workers and community leaders—will receive structured training worth Rs 1.88 crore.
He said these capacity-building programmes will significantly enhance digital governance, decentralised planning, transparency and accountability in local institutions, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals at the grassroots level.
Recalling the continuous support and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor said the PM has consistently emphasised the holistic development of Ladakh, acknowledging the region’s community strength, natural wealth and untapped potential. He added that the development projects inaugurated today are a direct reflection of the Prime Minister’s vision to make India’s border regions strong, self-reliant and equipped with modern infrastructure.
Kavinder Gupta lauded the people and public representatives of Zanskar for their cooperation, resilience and active participation in the ongoing development journey. He asked them to carry forward these initiatives as a collective movement, reaffirming that the Administration’s shared vision of a progressive, empowered and people-centric Ladakh can be achieved only through teamwork and community partnership.
He expressed confidence that the new infrastructure and governance initiatives will create sustainable opportunities, promote inclusive development and significantly improve the quality of life for the people of Zanskar and Ladakh as a whole.
Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Er Punchok Tashi expressed gratitude to the UT government for addressing the longstanding demand for district status in Zanskar. He expressed hope for the early establishment of a fully functional district in the region.
Administrative Secretary Shashanka Ala, in her address, highlighted the rapid development achievements in Zanskar, including the construction of a road that reduced travel time and ensured a regular electricity supply, crediting dedicated administrative efforts. She emphasized that cooperation between administration and locals accelerates effective development, noting the department’s success in completing the NPD road and Karsha Block, achieving the top national ranking among aspirational blocks across 39 performance indicators in agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, and social metrics, driven by district and UT Administration’s hard work. She also highlighted other key accomplishments, including the construction of 620 houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the subdivision.
Councillor, Karsha, Stanzin Jigmet and Nominated Councillor, Namgyal Phuntsog, also spoke on the occasion.
On the occasion, Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Er Punchok Tashi; Councillors- Stanzin Jigmet and Namgyal Phuntsog; Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; Director RDD; SDM Zanskar; ACD Kargil, Chief Engineer PHE, District Sheep Husbandry Officer Kargil, Chief Medical Officer Kargil; community leaders, members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and government officials were present.
