Governor, Satya Pal Malik today undertook his maiden visit to Leh to review the scope of ongoing developmental activities in the region. He was accompanied by Advisor Sh. B.B Vyas, Sh. K Vijay Kumar, Sh. Kurshid Ahmad Ganai, Chief Secretary Sh. B.V.R. Subrahmanyam and Principal Secretary to Governor Sh. Umang Narula.During the visit, theGovernor held meetings with Sh. Thupstan Chhewang, MP; Sh. Chering Dorjay, MLC and former Minister; Sh. Nawang Rigzin Zora, MLA, and former Minister and representatives of political parties.The Governor also met with several local delegations that submitted memoranda pertaining to their demands and issues, which included the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council led by CEC, LAHDC Sh. Dorjey Mutup, Ladakh Students' Educational and Environmental Action Forum (LEAF), Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA), All Ladakh Muslim Coordination Committee (ALMCC) and INC delegation led by MLA Leh Sh. Nawang Rigzin Jora.During the meeting, CEC, Sh. Dorjey Mutup expressed his gratitude to the Governor for recent approval of the draft 'Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (Amendment) Bill, 2018 and sanction of funds for various projects in the district. He also raised several pertinent issues including shortage of staff in various departments and early filling up of these vacancies, issue of daily wage laborers and clearance of liabilities.
The student representatives demanded for timely conduct of college exams besides requesting for making Leh and Nubra Degree College independent of Kashmir University in the conduct of exams, declaration of results and framing of question papers. They also put forth the concerns faced by Ladakhi students studying outside in getting scholarships.Representatives of LBA reiterated their demand for inclusion of Bhoti language in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution, besides requesting for creation of 148 new posts for Bhoti teachers and police range for Ladakh. LGA came up with similar demands, besides, requesting for grant of suitable land in Jammu to build a religious centre for Ladakhis, especially for students studying in Jammu. They also presented a resolution passed unanimously by all political and religious organizations to ban liquor bars in Leh district.Further, they also advocated for granting voting rights to Tibetans settled in Ladakh, registration of land as per previous land records in the name of monasteries and allotment of two teachers in 45 monasteries to strengthen monastic education.
Similarly, ALMCC and INC delegations also presented a detailed memorandum and put forth their demands. INC demanded the inclusion of Leh city in the Smart City scheme, improvement of mobile connectivity, lowering of air fares, making of BADP allotment block wise, exemption from GST, augmentation in PDS ration quantity, early setting up of the proposed Medical College in Leh besides submitting the issues of daily wagers, casual laborers for early resolution.The Governor gave patient hearing to the demands and grievances put forth by several delegation. He assured due consideration to the demands and appropriate necessary action for early redressal.He advised that an appropriate proposal be formulated to develop Leh as a model city and to promote it as an environment friendly city highlighting the rich heritage, natural resources, architecture, local culture and traditions.Chief Secretary Sh. B.V.R. Subrahmanyam apprised the meeting that nearly Rs 180 crores have been approved for the languishing projects in Leh district to be taken up through newly set up Jammu Kashmir Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (JKIDFC). Further, additional projects will be taken up in the district to give impetus to the developmental activities in the region, he added.Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh accompanied the dignitaries.