Ladakh News
LAHDC Leh and BJP Ladakh Delegation Meets Hon’ble Union Home Minister to Deliberate on Key Issues Concerning Ladakh 26 April 2025: In a development of considerable significance for the Union Territory of Ladakh, a high-level delegation comprising senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and elected representatives from the region met with the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, today in New Delhi. The meeting was held in the esteemed presence of BJP National General Secretary and Ladakh Prabhari, Shri Tarun Chugh. The delegation was led by the Hon’ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, and included Dy. Chairman Tsering Angchuk, Executive Councillors, BJP Ladakh President Shri Phunchok Stanzin, former Member of Parliament Shri Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, elected BJP Councillors from LAHDC Leh and Kargil, General Secretary Shri P.T. Kunzang, and former Chief Executive Councillor Shri Gyal P Wangyal. The delegation commenced the meeting by expressing their heartfelt gratitude to the Union Home Minister for his unwavering support and commitment towards the holistic development of Ladakh. Particular appreciation was extended for the recent establishment of new districts—Zanskar, Drass, Changthang, Nubra, and Sham—which they lauded as a transformative step towards inclusive and decentralised governance. The continuation and expansion of the Vibrant Villages Programme, especially the approval of its second phase, also drew widespread commendation. In a gesture underscoring the region's growing confidence in the Central Government's developmental vision, the delegation extended a formal invitation to Shri Amit Shah to visit Ladakh and witness its evolving landscape first-hand. A range of pressing and region-specific concerns were presented during the discussion. Chief among them was the need to fortify the gazetted recruitment process in Ladakh, with a strong appeal for direct intervention from the Ministry to safeguard the aspirations and rights of the local youth. The delegation also highlighted the necessity of restoring the budgetary allocations for both the LAHDCs and the Union Territory Administration, underscoring the crucial role of financial consistency in sustaining governance and ensuring uninterrupted developmental initiatives. Tourism, a principal economic pillar of Ladakh, was discussed in detail. The delegation raised concerns regarding procedural difficulties faced by foreign tourists and advocated for the simplification of registration protocols to make Ladakh more accessible to international visitors. Furthermore, the creation of a dedicated Ladakh Development Corporation was proposed, aimed at improving financial management and addressing longstanding irregularities, especially in the context of issues concerning the J&K Development Finance Corporation. In view of Ladakh’s distinct identity as a Union Territory, the leaders urged the Ministry to ensure that Indian embassies—particularly those in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada—reflect Ladakh’s correct administrative status on their official digital platforms, thereby ensuring appropriate international representation. Connectivity and infrastructure also featured prominently in the discussion. The delegation called for the accelerated opening of the Leh-Manali road, urging the Centre to expedite the clearance of the Baralacha and Shingkula Passes, which are vital for the movement of goods and people, particularly in anticipation of the tourism season. In relation to the issuance of Protected Area Permits (PAP) and Restricted Area Permits (RAP), the delegation advocated for decentralised verification processes, proposing that the authority be vested with the District Magistrate of Leh to enhance efficiency and transparency. Specific attention was also drawn to the administrative needs of the newly created Zanskar district and areas in and around Kargil. Councillors including Stanzin Lakpa and Padma Dorjey underscored the urgency of addressing these regions' unique challenges. In light of recent extreme weather events—particularly heavy snowfall and thunderstorms that severely impacted the region—the delegation sought additional support from the Centre to mitigate disruptions and assist affected communities. Notably, Councillors from Changthang and Nubra expressed profound gratitude for the continued support under the Vibrant Villages Programme, while also raising ecological concerns, including the rationalisation of wildlife zones and matters relating to Hemis National Park. The Hon’ble Union Home Minister, in his response, reiterated the Central Government’s steadfast commitment to the equitable development and welfare of Ladakh. He assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be given due consideration and that appropriate measures would be initiated in a timely and effective manner. |
