Konchok Stanzin, Councillor of Chushul, met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and submitted a memorandum requesting a Special Development Package for Eastern Ladakh, a strategically vital yet underdeveloped region.

The memorandum highlights the following key issues and proposals: development of pasturelands to support nomadic herders, restructuring of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) to prioritize frontline border villages, establishment of banking facilities in Pangong-Phobrang, and a monthly honorarium for registered shepherds to protect the declining Pashmina economy. He also sought the establishment of skill development centres for artisans, a dedicated winter sports package, and financial assistance for youth-led tourism initiatives. Emphasizing the success of LAHDC’s “Back to Village” land allotment model, he urged for its national replication to prevent youth migration. 

The memorandum further called for the completion of nomad housing under the Changthang Development Package and 100% saturation of polycarbonate greenhouses to boost food security. 

Konchok Stanzin underlined that these initiatives are crucial not only for regional development but also for strengthening national presence and resilience along the frontier.
Eastern Ladakh holds immense geopolitical and cultural significance. A Special Development Package, tailored to its unique challenges, is vital to ensure equitable growth, prevent migration, promote strategic resilience, and safeguard national heritage.

Councillor Konchok Stanzin expressed hope that the Finance Minister would consider these pressing demands and extend continued support for the development of India’s border communities.