Kargil, May 02, 2025: The Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, presided over the General Council Meeting where the proposed budget allocation of Rs 255 crore and 26 lakh for 2025-26 was discussed and approved.

The General Council Meeting of LAHDC, Kargil was held at Conference Hall Baroo in the presence of MP Ladakh Mohd Haneefa Jan, Hon’ble Executive Councillors of LAHDC Kargil, DC/CEO LAHDC Kargil, JD Planning/Chief Planning Officer, Hon’ble Councillors, SDMs, and other district officers and departmental heads.

The proceedings began with a solemn minute of silence observed in memory of former Member of Parliament of Ladakh, Haji Mohd Hassan Khan, and to pay tribute to the innocent lives lost in the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

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During the meeting, plans were discussed for sustainable development, enhancing livelihood opportunities for the populace, and ensuring holistic development while maintaining high standards of quality work.

The CEC appreciated the maximum expenditure goal achieved in the last financial year under the able leadership of CCF. He commended the efforts of various departments including PDD, PHE, Mechanical, Municipal Committee, and others for their dedicated work in the previous financial year.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kargil extended congratulations to the people and Councillor of Zanskar for receiving a prestigious award under the Aspirational Blocks Programme on behalf of Karsha Block. The CEC Kargil also congratulated the Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Shrikant Suse (IAS) who was honored with an Excellence Award for outstanding expenditure management from the Prime Minister in 2024.

As the General Council CAPEX Budget Meeting for the 2025-2026 plan commenced, the Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of Ladakh inaugurated several key developmental projects. These included the upgradation of the Tesra Drass link road, the launch of a Stock Assistant Training Institute, new residential quarters in Drass, the upgradation of Middle School Youlboo in Drass, an Anti-Drug Addiction Centre, and a hostel facility for differently-abled individuals.

The house discussed and reviewed updates and progress of the budget allocated to various departments. Councillors expressed their concerns regarding projects and developmental works of all departments. After thorough discussions, the house proposed various modifications to the budget and finally approved the Capex Budget for the financial year 2025-26.

At the onset of the meeting, the CEC Kargil applauded the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh and the Vice Chancellor of University of Ladakh for starting new courses at the university to ensure quality education and opportunities for students in their hometown.

The CEC further informed that wages for 1,900 casual laborers have been enhanced, for which he appreciated the Central government and the Ladakh Administration. He also expressed gratitude to the HLG Ladakh for ensuring that the directors remain present at Kargil at their original places of posting.

He further informed that tourism activities have been discontinued at Zojila due to increasing pollution and damage to the fragile ecology. He added that the jurisdiction of the BRO has been realigned at Zojila Pass to ensure timely clearance of the road in case of snowfall or other blockades.

The CEC stated that health facilities at District Hospital Kargil have been enhanced to ensure quality healthcare for the general public. He mentioned that the shortage of doctors, especially gynaecologists, has been addressed. The tendering process for procurement of an MRI machine, which had been pending for a long time, is expected to be completed soon.

To ensure a transparent transfer policy, development of a web portal has been initiated and will be launched soon. In view of damage to the fragile ecology, he appealed for support from all stakeholders to stop using plastic items in marriages and non-biodegradable items in the market.

Tourism development remained a key focus of the meeting. The CEC called for the promotion of border tourism in places like Drass and emphasized the untapped potential of Kargil’s scenic landscapes. He highlighted adventure activities such as paragliding and trekking, especially in valleys like Minji to Tangol, which have immense scope for exploration. He added that the Tourism and Rural Development Departments must collaborate effectively and work swiftly to develop these areas. He also stressed the need to establish cafes and basic facilities for the comfort of visitors and tourists.

Additionally, he instructed the Assistant Director of Fisheries to expand the number of fish farms in the district, highlighting the importance of enhancing opportunities in this sector for economic growth and livelihood improvement.

In the education sector, the CEC pointed out the urgency of posting teachers in underserved areas and filling up vacant positions left by retired staff. He also underlined the importance of Arabic teachers in schools, given the cultural significance of the language in the region. The CEO Education was directed to take necessary action at the earliest.

Furthermore, the CEC proposed the establishment of long-term training centres at the primary school level to enhance teacher capacity. These centres would help teachers better address the learning needs of students, especially in remote locations.

The meeting also included discussion on the need for proper facilities in winter hostels. The CEC stressed that such hostels must be planned with long-term vision and equipped with essential amenities to ensure the comfort and well-being of students during the harsh winter months.

The meeting focused on lift irrigation, water supply to remote areas, flood control measures, provision of submersible pumps to the needy, and the status of ongoing work on link roads. The CEC reviewed each of these areas and directed the concerned departments to speed up the execution of works for the benefit of the public.

The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and ensure timely implementation of all plans with a focus on sustainable growth and community involvement.