Leh, August 1, 2025 – Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, convened a high-level meeting today to review the progress of initiatives aimed at deregulating and reducing compliance burdens to enhance the region’s business environment.

The meeting focused on recommendations from a task force targeting eight priority areas. Secretary of Industries & Commerce, Sh. P.T. Rudra Goud, presented key suggestions, which included adopting a flexible zoning framework, easing building regulations for industrial growth, and increasing the use of third-party approvals and inspections. Other proposed reforms are the streamlining of factory and trade license processes and expediting utility connections through a new online system.

Chief Secretary Kotwal underscored the significance of these measures, referencing Special Cabinet Secretary K.K. Pathak’s suggestion that Ladakh should strive to set a new benchmark, surpassing other states. Dr. Kotwal directed officials to minimize bureaucratic hurdles in critical sectors such as housing, power, connectivity, and tourism.

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Administrative Secretary Sh. Bhupesh Chaudhary instructed all departments to integrate the new reforms into the official online portal by August 7 to ensure their timely implementation. The Chief Secretary concluded the meeting by mandating all departments to submit detailed progress reports to the Administrative Secretary before the deadline.

The meeting saw participation from key officials, including Principal Secretary Sh. Sanjeev Khirwar, and Administrative Secretaries Sh. Vikram Malik, Smt. Shashanka Ala, Sh. Michael D’Souza, Sh. Rahul Sharma, and Sh. Bhupesh Chaudhary, along with other departmental heads and technical officers.