The General Council of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, on July 13 unanimously approved the District Capex Budget 2026–27 with an outlay of ₹255.26 crore during a meeting held at the Conference Hall, Baroo. The meeting, chaired by Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, also reviewed the implementation of the previous year's budget.

The meeting was attended by Member of Parliament Mohmad Haneefa Jan, Executive Councillors Agha Syed Mujtaba and Er. Phunchok Tashi, Deputy Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer LAHDC Kargil Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Drass Imteeaz Kacho, councillors, the Chief Planning Officer, sectoral heads and district officers.

At the outset, Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, presented the financial and physical progress under the District Capex Budget 2025–26. Against an approved allocation of ₹255.26 crore, the revised outlay increased to ₹329.58 crore, with the entire amount released. Expenditure of ₹327.03 crore was incurred, achieving 99.22 per cent utilisation, reflecting timely implementation of developmental works across the district.

He informed the House that, under the Finance Department, UT Ladakh Order No. 252-F of 2026 dated May 18, 2026, fund allocation has been based on a weighted formula of 60 per cent population (2011 Census) and 40 per cent geographical area to ensure balanced regional development. Priority would also be given to projects at an advanced stage of execution.

The Chief Planning Officer presented the proposed 2026–27 Capex Budget, covering key sectors such as roads and bridges, irrigation, buildings, infrastructure, machinery and equipment, ICT, land acquisition, heritage asset upgradation and other fixed assets.

The House was informed that against work liabilities of ₹115.86 crore, an amount of ₹93.30 crore has been earmarked for liabilities. Provision has also been made for ongoing works, Councillor Constituency Development Allocation (CCDA), pending administrative approvals and new projects for the financial year 2026–27.

After detailed deliberations, the General Council approved the budget and resolved that ongoing work liabilities would receive first priority in fund allocation. It also decided that disputed works would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, while projects related to disaster mitigation, essential infrastructure and public welfare would be prioritised.

The House further resolved that proposals for new developmental works from the newly created Drass and Zanskar districts would be routed through the respective Deputy Commissioners for future consideration.

During the meeting, councillors raised issues related to roads, drinking water, irrigation, education, healthcare, agriculture, horticulture, power, tourism, rural development and employment generation. The concerned Executive Councillors and district officers assured the House that the issues would be addressed on priority.

Addressing the meeting, CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon appreciated the coordinated efforts of all departments and councillors in achieving more than 99 per cent expenditure during the previous financial year. He stressed that the new Capex Budget should focus on balanced regional development, transparency, accountability, quality execution and timely completion of projects.

He directed all executing agencies to adhere to approved timelines, maintain quality standards and strengthen inter-departmental coordination to ensure that developmental projects directly benefit the public.

MP Mohmad Haneefa Jan appreciated the Council and district administration for the effective implementation of developmental works and assured continued support in pursuing Kargil's development priorities at the Union Territory and Government of India levels.

Following detailed discussions and incorporation of the House's recommendations, the District Capex Budget 2026–27 was unanimously approved by voice vote of the 20 councillors present.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Council's commitment to ensuring timely implementation of developmental projects for the socio-economic progress of Kargil district.