Leh, October 28, 2026/ VOL News Desk/ Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a review meeting of the School Education, Higher Education, Skill Development and Cooperative Departments at the UT Secretariat, Leh, to assess ongoing initiatives and review departmental priorities.

Administrative Secretary for Higher Education, School Education, Cooperatives and Skill Development, Bhanu Prabha, briefed the meeting on measures being undertaken to improve academic performance, enhance student enrolment, strengthen school infrastructure and expand career guidance services. She informed the meeting that discussions had been held with the concerned Ministry regarding the introduction of career guidance and psychometric assessment programmes. The meeting also discussed providing NEET and JEE coaching to selected students through a reputed coaching institute.

The Chief Secretary directed the School Education Department to engage additional teachers as special resource persons in Mathematics and Science. He also emphasised strengthening exposure programmes for teachers and students, identifying sporting talent and improving sports infrastructure in schools.

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Reviewing the higher education sector, the meeting discussed the Higher Education Department’s plans to introduce new courses in universities and colleges across Ladakh to broaden academic opportunities and enhance access to quality higher education. The initiatives are aimed at diversifying academic offerings and aligning higher education with the aspirations and future needs of students in the UT.

The Chief Secretary also suggested organising a summit of trans-Himalayan universities to promote academic collaboration, research and knowledge-sharing in areas relevant to Ladakh.

The meeting discussed establishing startup incubation centres to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth. The Chief Secretary stated that a new startup policy was expected to be introduced within two months. He directed the concerned departments to prepare proposals and operationalise the centres at the earliest, noting that the required funding was available.

During the review of technical education and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), the Chief Secretary suggested identifying a reputed private aviation training institute to enable the UT Administration to sponsor eligible aspirants from Ladakh for aviation-related courses. The initiative aims to expand specialised training opportunities and improve employment prospects for local youth.

The meeting also reviewed the targets and priorities of the Cooperative Department, including strengthening dairy and Pashmina cooperatives, improving market linkages, expanding storage facilities and developing local value chains to enhance livelihoods and support the local economy. The Chief Secretary further directed the establishment of a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) for the development and strengthening of floriculture cooperatives.

The meeting was attended by Administrative Secretary, Higher Education, School Education, Cooperatives and Skill Development, Bhanu Prabha; Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Prof. Saket Kushwaha; Registrar, University of Ladakh; Director, School Education, Tsering Paldan; Joint Director, School Education Department, Zakir Hussain; Assistant Director, Planning, Tsetan Angmo; Deputy Registrar, Cooperatives, Leh, Sachin Bali; Under Secretary, Higher Education Department; and other concerned officers.