Shri Kavinder Gupta
Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Union Territory of Ladakh.

Your Excellency,

November 5, 2025

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MEMORANDUM

The All Kargil (Ladakh) Students’ Association Delhi (AKSAD) respectfully submits this memorandum to request your immediate attention and benevolent intervention concerning several critical issues impacting the educational opportunities and welfare of the student community from Ladakh as follows; .

1. Establishment of a Full-Fledged Government Degree College in Sankoo Block.

We are profoundly concerned regarding the proposed integration of the existing Government Degree College, Sankoo, into the University of Ladakh (Kargil Campus). Given that Sankoo is both a highly populated and economically backward region, this integration decision risks severely impacting the equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for our students, particularly the underprivileged and female students. The lack of public affordable transport and daily commute of 40 to 50 kilometers poses significant barriers to education due to safety concerns, financial constraints, and societal pressures. Furthermore, we note that the rationale provided by the University of Ladakh regarding the college’s proximity does not align with UGC guidelines, which do not prohibit the establishment of a college near a university campus.

We therefore humbly request your immediate intervention to ensure the establishment of a Full-Fledged Government Degree College in Sankoo Block that operates independently.

2. Financial Assistance and Scholarship Opportunities for Research on Ladakh

We greatly appreciate the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh’s efforts, especially initiatives like the REWA 2.0 Scheme that support Ladakhi youth in UPSC exam preparation.

We respectfully request the extension of dedicated financial assistance and research fellowships tailored for Ladakhi scholars (from national or foreign universities) undertaking studies on Ladakh-centric issues. We propose establishing fellowships equivalent in value and stature to those offered by the UGC to incentivize advanced research. Crucially, to ensure comprehensive financial inclusion and broaden the talent pool, we urge the Administration to also consider providing financial support to non-NET qualified candidates who are actively engaged in impactful research. This targeted investment will be instrumental in encouraging rigorous scholarly documentation of Ladakh’s history, culture, and development, thereby actively fostering academic growth and safeguarding our unique heritage.

3. Establishment of Law and Management Departments at the University of Ladakh.

As the esteemed Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, we respectfully request your directive for the establishment of new Departments of Law and Management at the University and its affiliated colleges. It is essential to promote multidisciplinary learning, strengthen vital research and professional skills, and align the educational ecosystem with the core objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Equipping students with degrees in these professional fields is vital to preparing them to meet contemporary societal and economic challenges effectively. We believe overall holistic growth of the society can’t be achieved without covering socially essential academic courses like law and management. Also holistic academic pursuance is what the NEP 2020 envisages.

4. Establishment of a B.Ed College or a Seperate Department of Education at the University of Ladakh.

We request the establishment of a B.Ed college or a Department of Education at the University of Ladakh, including a degree program in Special Education, to address the financial and quality challenges currently faced by aspiring teachers. At present, students are compelled to travel outside the Union Territory to attend private colleges, incurring exorbitant costs and facing variable standards of education. Establishing a local B.Ed facility would immediately enhance accessibility and equity in teacher education, while ensuring a steady supply of highly qualified teachers trained to meet the unique cultural and educational needs of the region. relevant to the unique needs of the region.

5. Mandatory Application of Domicile Law in College/University Recruitment

We urge the Administration to consider making the Ladakh Domicile Law mandatory for recruitments within colleges and universities. We believe that it’s necessary to safeguard the interests of native Ladakhi students and ensure that they receive adequate representation and opportunities in state-run educational institutions and subsequent employment within the Union Territory. NEP 2020 promotes education in local languages to improve understanding,

participation, and learning outcomes, especially for students who are not fluent in non-local languages. We also humbly urge you to initiate the recruitment process of permanent faculties in University of Ladakh.

6. Extension of Pradhan Mantri Uchchhatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Yojana

We seek your kind attention for the necessary extension of the PM-USP Yojana (formerly the Special Scholarship Scheme) to cover four-year non-technical undergraduate courses. This scheme provides crucial academic fee and maintenance support to students from Ladakh studying outside the Union Territories. Given that most universities are transitioning to four-year programs in alignment with the NEP 2020, excluding these courses from the scholarship places a substantial financial burden on students. We request your intervention to address this matter directly with the AICTE under the Ministry of Education, through a formal communication or any other feasible means, to secure this vital extension.

Your Excellency, these matters collectively represent the most urgent priorities for the sudent community. We firmly believe that your timely intervention and positive consideration will be instrumental in removing significant barriers and enhancing the future prospects of Ladakhi youth.

Thank you for your time and consideration into these matters.

Mohammad Ibrahim.
President
All Kargil (Ladakh) Students’ Association Delhi (AKSAD)