Proposed budget of Rs 363 crore, 37 lakh, and 44 thousand for FY 2024-25

Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon presided over the General Council Meeting on March 10, where the proposed interim budget for 2024-25 was discussed. It was disclosed that an allocation of Rs 363 crore, 37 lakh, and 44 thousand has been proposed for the financial year 2024-25.

Executive Councillors of LAHDC, Kargil, Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC, Kargil, Chief Planning Officer, Councillors, Superintending Engineers R&B, PHE/I&FC, and District Officers attended the GCM.

During the meeting, plans were discussed for sustainable development, enhancing livelihood opportunities for the populace, and ensuring holistic development while maintaining high standards of quality work.

The CEC commended the district administration for conducting the recruitment process with fairness and transparency. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of various departments including PDD, PHE, Mechanical, Municipal Committee, and others for their dedicated work during the winter season. CEC Dr. Jaffer praised the Education Department for providing winter coaching facilities to students.

The house discussed and reviewed the updates and progress of the budget allocated to various departments. Regarding the purchase of ambulances, CEC Kargil suggested allocating funds for ambulance purchases from the Constituency Development Fund of Councillors.

He also mentioned that the issue of land compensation is a prolonged one, which has been taken up with the Union Territory Administration and will be solved in a phased manner.

CEC Dr. Jaffer urged Councillors to submit proposals for new projects within two days to the Council Secretariat. He also applauded the collaborative efforts of District Officers in coordination with LAHDC Kargil and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation for the successful execution of developmental projects in the future.

The CEC emphasized that Agriculture and Tourism serve as the backbone of Kargil's economy, supporting numerous families in the region. He directed the concerned officers to prioritize these sectors and allocate resources accordingly.

Additionally, he instructed the Assistant Director of Fisheries to expand the number of fish farms in the district, highlighting the importance of enhancing opportunities in this sector for economic growth and livelihood improvement.

Regarding the shedding of harmful pollen and its associated inconveniences in the coming season, CEC Kargil directed the identification of pollen-prone areas and the allocation of a separate budget for pollen management.

CEC Dr. Jaffer directed the ACD Kargil to identify case-by-case beneficiaries of Bosmeti Goyoks so that deserving beneficiaries can take advantage of the scheme. He also instructed the Assistant Director of Tourism Kargil to start charging entry fees as environmental charges at various entry points to Kargil from tourists.

The CEC instructed the Chief Planning Officer to allocate Rs 50 lakh in the budget specifically for the construction of a school catering to the needs of children with disabilities. Furthermore, he directed the Executive Engineer R&B to prepare a Detailed Project Report tailored to the requirements and comfort of individuals with disabilities.

CEC Dr. Jaffer also appreciated the Council Model Schools and highlighted that any pending administrative approvals and related issues concerning School Education would be thoroughly addressed in a separate meeting. He proposed to convene a detailed discussion on these matters with the Deputy Commissioner Kargil and the Councillors.