New Delhi/ VOL News Desk/ During the discussion on the central budget in Parliament, Ladakh Member of Parliament Mohammad Hanifa Jan expressed strong concern over the reduction in the budget for the region, calling it unexpected, disappointing, and detrimental to the developmental process.

He informed the House that after becoming a Union Territory, approximately 3500 crore rupees were allocated for Ladakh in the first year, while the following year, considering developmental demands and administrative needs, this amount was increased to approximately 6000 crore rupees. According to him, this increase gave momentum to developmental activities and led to significant progress in various sectors; however, the reduction in the current budget has created unease among the public.

Mohammad Hanifa Jan said that given Ladakh’s geographical sensitivity, challenging weather conditions, and strategic importance, the region requires additional financial support. He pointed out that the UT administration and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils have ensured effective utilization of funds in the past years, where more than 90 percent of the budget was utilized, and in some sectors, expenditures reached 100 percent. In such a case, the budget reduction will affect ongoing projects and future planning.He termed unemployment a serious issue and said that a large number of gazetted and non-gazetted vacancies exist in various departments. He demanded that all vacant positions be filled immediately in a time-bound manner.

Referring to the announcement of new districts, he said that no clear financial arrangements have been made for them in the budget, which is worrisome. He demanded that appropriate budgetary support be provided for the new districts.

Speaking on the agriculture and horticulture sector, he said that Ladakh’s rural economy depends on agriculture and horticulture. Apricots, apples, and other fruits have gained recognition in domestic and foreign markets; however, due to climate change, rising temperatures, severe water shortage, and inadequate irrigation systems, orchards are being affected. He appealed to declare Ladakh a drought-affected area and provide a special financial package for large canal projects and solar lift irrigation schemes.

In the education sector, he said that 10th and 12th classes have been affiliated with CBSE; however, the status of primary and middle schools is still unclear, which is affecting educational planning. He said that special financial support is essential for providing infrastructure according to CBSE standards. Along with this, he emphasized the need for academic blocks, hostels, research facilities, and faculty housing for Ladakh University, especially the Kargil campus.

In the health sector, he said that the approved medical college in Leh and the proposed medical college in Kargil are facing slow progress, while for the announced engineering college in Kargil, despite land identification, funds have not been approved.

Despite the Speaker’s directive to end the time, Mohammad Hanifa Jan continued his speech and said that balanced development in Ladakh is not possible without strong basic infrastructure for public health and technical education. He said that people in remote areas have to travel long distances in severe weather conditions to obtain medical facilities, so substantial funds should be provided to strengthen health infrastructure, human resources, and connectivity.

Regarding tourism, he said that Ladakh has immense potential for tourism, especially adventure and winter tourism in Kargil. He said that after the expected completion of the Zojila Tunnel, there will be a significant increase in tourism, therefore, preparing the basic infrastructure now is essential. Ice skating and other winter sports, which include some Olympic disciplines, can create employment and economic opportunities for the youth, provided that appropriate training facilities and infrastructure are provided.

At the end of his speech, Mohammad Hanifa Jan demanded from the central government that, keeping in mind Ladakh’s special needs and strategic importance, the budget be increased and a long-term developmental strategy be adopted. He concluded his speech by thanking the Speaker.