Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra (IAS), on January 12, co-chaired an introductory meeting with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, along with the Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, and Executive Councillors and Councillors of LAHDC-Kargil.

The meeting was attended by Executive Councillors Kacho Mohd Feroz and Agha Syed Mujtaba; Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho; Chief Controller of Finance, LAHDC-Kargil, Iftikhar Hussain; Joint Director (Planning) and Chief Planning Officer, Kargil, Abdul Hadi; and other senior officers. The Chief Secretary was accorded a traditional welcome by the Council.

During the interaction, various critical issues pertaining to the district were discussed. The Chief Secretary emphasized the responsibility of elected representatives in ensuring judicious utilization of resources and adopting a coordinated approach to development. He highlighted the need for long-term and sustainable planning, economic diversification, promotion of tourism, and balanced development across key sectors including agriculture, horticulture, skill development, and technical education.

Ashish Kundra noted that Kargil possesses significant potential owing to its unique geography and rich cultural landscape, and stressed the importance of integrated and pragmatic development planning. He assured that the issues raised during the meeting would be examined and addressed in a phased manner, based on priority, in close coordination with LAHDC-Kargil.

Later in the day, the Chief Secretary undertook an extensive visit to the District Hospital Kargil, Polytechnic College, Government Degree College (GDC) Kargil, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre, Kargil.

During his visit to the Polytechnic College, he inspected laboratories, classrooms, and other academic facilities, and interacted with faculty members. Issues related to course availability, infrastructure, admissions, transport facilities, and availability of smart classrooms were discussed. He assured that all genuine concerns would be examined for appropriate action.

At the District Hospital Kargil, the Chief Secretary visited various units and chaired a detailed review meeting with the Director, Health Services; Managing Director, NHM-Ladakh; Chief Medical Officer; Medical Superintendent; and doctors. The Medical Superintendent highlighted the shortage of specialists and super-specialists. The Chief Secretary directed the Health Department to initiate nationwide advertisements for recruiting specialists and super-specialists under the NHM.

He also reviewed vacant specialist and super-specialist posts and emphasized strengthening tele-medicine services in coordination with tertiary medical institutions. Directions were issued regarding the conduct of medical camps in rural areas through rotational deployment of doctors and assessment of the need for additional infrastructure blocks.

At Government Degree College, Kargil, Ashish Kundra inspected the infrastructure and interacted with faculty members and students. Issues concerning course diversification, admissions, transport facilities, and availability of smart classrooms were discussed. He stressed the importance of course diversification to address emerging academic and employment needs.

During his visit to the Sports Authority of India Centre, the Chief Secretary interacted with trainees and reviewed facilities related to boxing and taekwondo. He conducted a comprehensive review of the centre’s functioning, including trainee strength, admission process, achievements, and overall performance. Appreciating the achievements of students in various sports disciplines, he assured continued support for strengthening sports infrastructure and training facilities.

The visit reflected the administration’s commitment to strengthening public services, improving healthcare delivery, enhancing educational institutions, and promoting sports development in Kargil district.