Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, reaffirmed the UT Administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, grassroots empowerment, and improved public infrastructure during a public meeting in Zanskar on December 5. He dedicated several key development initiatives to the people, describing them as milestones that will strengthen the region’s foundation for long-term progress.

Highlighting the administration’s resolve to bridge developmental gaps, the Lt Governor inaugurated four new Community Halls constructed under the Special Development Package in Lungnak Block at a cost of ₹1 crore. He said the facilities will function as vital centres for community activities, educational programmes, winter tuitions, social events, and public outreach, thereby enhancing community cohesion and grassroots engagement.

The Lt Governor also launched the ‘Nayi Chetna 4.0’ campaign, a national initiative aimed at promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and gender-sensitive community environments. He said the campaign will play an important role in addressing gender-based discrimination through targeted training sessions, workshops, and community involvement.

Further, Kavinder Gupta unveiled the RGSA Training Calendar 2025–26, under which the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has sanctioned ₹9.82 crore for Ladakh’s Annual Action Plan. This year, 5,883 participants, including elected representatives, Panchayat Secretaries, frontline workers, and community leaders, will undergo structured training worth ₹1.88 crore. He noted that the capacity-building initiatives will strengthen digital governance, decentralised planning, transparency, and accountability in grassroots institutions, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.

Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continuous guidance and support, the Lt Governor said that the PM has consistently emphasised the holistic development of Ladakh, recognising the region’s community strength, natural assets, and untapped potential. He added that the newly inaugurated projects reflect the PM’s vision of making India’s border regions strong, self-reliant, and equipped with modern infrastructure.

Applauding the people of Zanskar for their cooperation and resilience, Kavinder Gupta urged them to take forward these initiatives as a collective movement. He said Ladakh’s vision of becoming a progressive, empowered, and people-centric region can be achieved only through teamwork and community partnership.
He expressed confidence that the new infrastructure and governance initiatives will create sustainable opportunities, promote inclusive development, and significantly improve the quality of life in Zanskar and Ladakh as a whole.

Addressing the gathering, Executive Councillor LAHDC Kargil, Er Punchok Tashi, thanked the UT Administration for addressing the longstanding demand for district status for Zanskar and expressed hope for the early establishment of a fully functional district.

Administrative Secretary, Shashanka Ala, highlighted key development achievements in Zanskar, including improved road connectivity reducing travel time and ensuring regular electricity supply. She noted that strong cooperation between administration and locals has accelerated development, reflected in the completion of the NPD road and Karsha Block—now ranked top among national aspirational blocks across 39 indicators covering agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, and social progress. She also highlighted the construction of 620 houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the subdivision.

Councillor Karsha, Stanzin Jigmet, and Nominated Councillor, Namgyal Phuntsog, also spoke on the occasion.

The event was attended by Executive Councillor Er Punchok Tashi; Councillors Stanzin Jigmet and Namgyal Phuntsog; Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; Director RDD; SDM Zanskar; ACD Kargil; Chief Engineer PHE; District Sheep Husbandry Officer Kargil; Chief Medical Officer Kargil; community leaders; members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs); and other officials.