There is no justification for the State Government not to increase annual and Five Year Plan allocations to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council for three consecutive years. It is criminal. Only a few days back, after a high power meeting between the State Government and the Planning Commission, grants to the tune of 7300 crores were sanctioned for the annual plan of the State. The Chief Minister thanked the Planning Commission for acceding to the proposed allocations and said that this time 10 per cent increase in overall outlay had been accepted. Taking this as the barometer, it is obvious that there should be proportionate increase in the allocations for various heads including the LAHDC. This district council has been crying for last three years for enhancement of budgetary allocations so that it could meet expenditures on various projects and at the same time would chalk out strategy for various other developmental projects. Why are not the appeals of the Chairman of the Council heard and addressed? The Hill Council has sought capital outlay of Rs 139.99 crore inclusive of Rs 12.77 crore NABARD loan for the current financial year as against Rs 71 crore being sanctioned during the past three consecutive years. In a letter to the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister, the Hill Council said, “The draft Five Year Plan 2012-17 and Annual Plan 2012-13 submitted by this district also reflects the need of increased investments and institutional arrangements towards the realization of Ladakh Vision 2025.” The massive havoc that the August 2010 flash floods brought to the district also shattered its insignificant resource. Essential infrastructure damaged during the floods is still incomplete with huge pending liabilities to be cleared for the completed works. In view of this, LAHDC has to be treated with justice and equity not out of any obligation but out of its rights. State CM has committed himself to equitable development of all regions of the State when he was presenting his case before the Planning Commission. He should look to the complaints of the Ladakh people in redemption of his commitment.
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