Ladakh’s Vibrant Village Programme

Protecting and promoting Ladakh

Ladakh’s Vibrant Village Programme
The Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting recently visited Ladakh to have firsthand experience of the region as part of the Government’s Vibrant Village Programme. Ladakh has a vast and tough terrain with a scattered population that was devoid of basic amenities for decades in the past. As Ladakh became a UT, things started improving rapidly. Within a short span of four years, the administration has come up with numerous development projects to improve infrastructure, which includes roads, hospitals, schools, colleges, and universities, to name a few. As the population is scattered in remote areas in small pockets, digital connectivity was a big issue. Hundreds of new mobile towers have been installed, and broadband connectivity through fibre optics has improved exponentially. Cable TV connectivity is not possible in the entire Ladakh, as such, the Ministry is trying to ensure the provision of free Doordarshan DTH connections in far-flung areas located in villages along the Indo-China border. The aim is to improve access to television broadcasts in these remote regions.
The minister had a three-day stay and visited three remote villages, among other places. The minister’s primary objective was to assess the progress and reach of various government projects and schemes to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by residents and security forces in remote border villages along the Indo-China border. Further efforts are being made on a priority basis for improved digital and road connectivity, enhanced tourism infrastructure, sports facilities, and better access to clean water. The visit signifies that the development of Ladakh is a prime focus of the government; many things have been done, and much more is already in the works. All these collective efforts are significant steps towards empowering rural communities, improving their living standards, and fostering sustainable development in the region. With dedicated efforts and a collaborative approach, the government aims to create vibrant and self-reliant villages in Ladakh that will contribute to the progress and prosperity of the nation.