Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of key infrastructure projects being implemented under various Central government schemes and stressed the need for dedicated, efficient and accountable governance to ensure benefits reach people in remote areas.
The Lieutenant Governor reviewed works being carried out under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP). He also assessed the status of recruitment to non-gazetted posts through District Subordinate Services Recruitment Boards (DSSRBs) and the Ladakh Subordinate Services Staff Selection Board (LSSSSB), besides gazetted posts being filled through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Secretary, Public Works Department, Michael D’Souza, informed the meeting that 14 new CRIF projects have been sanctioned by the Government of India at an estimated cost of about Rs 931 crore. Issues related to land acquisition and their impact on timely execution were also discussed.
Chief Engineer, Power Development Department, Tsewang Paljor, presented details of RDSS implementation across six packages at a cost of Rs 1,216.86 crore, with completion targeted by March 2028. He apprised that the Union Territory has power purchase liabilities of Rs 396.81 crore payable to the Jammu and Kashmir Power Corporation Limited and highlighted the need for adequate funds in the 2026–27 financial year to initiate tendering of a proposed 5-MW solar power project. Shortage of manpower for operation and maintenance of projects was also raised.
Administrative Secretary, Planning and Finance, Dr L Franklin, briefed the Lieutenant Governor on nine projects under PMDP, including the Srinagar–Leh 220 kV transmission line, subsidy support for solar driers, the Pashmina promotion programme, the Nimoo-Padum-Darcha road and the Zoji La tunnel. An outlay of Rs 21,441 crore has been earmarked for Ladakh under the package.
Director, Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research (DIHAR), Dr O.P. Chaurasia, also briefed the meeting on upcoming infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening research and support systems in high-altitude conditions.
The meeting was informed that around 1,385 non-gazetted posts were advertised in 2025, of which more than 900 matriculation and 10+2 level posts have already been filled, while examinations for 473 graduate-level posts are scheduled in March 2026. Special recruitment drives are also planned to fill teacher vacancies and other posts across departments.
Gupta expressed gratitude to the Government of India for substantial funding support under CRIF, PMGSY, RDSS and PMDP, stating that the enhanced investment would help Ladakh emerge as a developed Union Territory and improve facilities in remote and border areas.
He directed administrative secretaries, heads of departments and field officers to adopt a result-oriented approach, ensure timely decision-making and maintain inter-departmental coordination. He emphasised transparency, public accessibility and prompt grievance redressal.
Stressing equitable development, the Lieutenant Governor asked officials to ensure balanced implementation of works across all regions, with special focus on border areas and strict monitoring of timelines.
He also instructed Deputy Commissioners to finalise recruitment rules for school teachers and notify advertisements at the earliest so that vacant posts are filled and local youth gain employment.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk and other senior officers attended the meeting.
