Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, has called for the promotion of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing training in business models, product packaging, and marketing, along with opportunities to showcase their products at high-visibility platforms such as airports. The initiative aims to empower rural women to become ‘Lakhpati Didis’.

Chairing a comprehensive review meeting on August 11, the LG assessed the functioning and implementation of various schemes and projects across departments, including Law & Justice, Social & Tribal Welfare, Rural Development, IT, and Disaster Management.

Special Secretary Qureshi Tariq Mehmood outlined the Law & Justice Department’s work in legal advisory services, litigation management, legislative drafting, ongoing infrastructure projects, and addressing staff shortages.

Administrative Secretary Shashanka Ala presented an overview of key schemes under Social & Tribal Welfare, such as ICDS–Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0, Mission Vatsalya, Mission Shakti, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, disability support programmes, and the Lt Governor’s Student Support (Rewa) scheme. She also reviewed Rural Development initiatives like MGNREGA, SBM–Gramin, PMAY–Gramin, DAY–NULM, and watershed development projects. The IT Department reported on progress in 4G mobile tower connectivity, the Ladakh State Data Centre, the BharatNet Project, and the e-Office system. Disaster Management updates included the establishment of an Emergency Operation Centre and the adoption of tech-based solutions.

Emphasising the need to saturate all central schemes so that no eligible beneficiary is left out, the LG directed departments to conduct surveys to identify disabled children in Ladakh for targeted benefits. He also advised counselling for individuals considering consanguineous marriages, citing genetic health risks.

Addressing administrative challenges, the LG suggested filling Block Development Officer (BDO) vacancies by promoting Panchayat Inspector Grade-I officials. He also called for improved solid and wastewater management to achieve ODF+ certification, and stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination for watershed development projects.

On connectivity, the LG directed telecom companies to meet mobile network expansion targets within the stipulated timeline. He further recommended introducing academic courses on wildlife, ecology, and other subjects relevant to Ladakh’s unique environment, enabling local youth to develop livelihoods in these fields.

Finally, he instructed departments to strengthen emergency response systems to ensure timely public assistance during crises.