‘Identity of local people will be protected’
Hill Councils strengthening grassroots democracy
India’s head will always remain high in UT
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Oct 31: President Droupadi Murmu said today that budgetary provisions of Ladakh have gone up five times during last four years which indicates Central Government’s commitment towards development of the Union Territory.
Addressing a function in Leh this afternoon on Ladakh UT Foundation Day during her two-day visit to the Union Territory, beginning today, Murmu said Ladakh has to be taken on the path of development while protecting natural beauty and identity of the local people.
“To improve connectivity of Ladakh , there has been very strong focus on development of infrastructure. Because of this, economic development especially tourism in Ladakh has got a major boost. However, at the same time, it is priority of all of us to keep Ladakh clean. Focus is being given on sustainable and responsible tourism,” the President, who will tomorrow visit base camp of Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world, said.
She said she was pleased to know that the Union Territory of Ladakh has been witnessing multi-dimensional development. She appreciated Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Brig (Retd) BD Mishra and local people for taking UT constantly towards progress and development.
Describing Ladakh as head of India, the President assured people of Ladakh on behalf of the countrymen that entire nation is committed to take their prestige forward.
“This is my faith that Ladakh will continue to witness composite development and India’s head will always remain high,” she asserted.
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Congratulating the people on Ladakh Foundation Day, Droupadi Murmu said the people of Ladakh got separate identity four years ago on this day because of the amendments carried out by the Central Government. “I’m happy to visit here for the first time as the President on the occasion of Ladakh Foundation Day,” she added.
The President also had a word of praise for Autonomous Hill Development Councils of Leh and Kargil saying she was pleased to know that the Councils have continuously strengthened grassroots democracy and took positive steps for development of Ladakh especially employment opportunities for the youth.
She also lauded the Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipal Committees for their efforts of people’s involvement and development in the Union Territory.
Describing Ladakh as land of brave sons of Bharat Mata, Droupadi Murmu said she felt pride and was emotional while meeting Veer Naris.
“I salute the bravehearts for their supreme sacrifices for Bharat Mata in Ladakh and brave women. Ladakh’s Rigzin Chorol is first Veer Nari to become Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army. She has raised pride of her husband Rigzin Khandap who gave supreme sacrifice for the country and set a rare example before the women,” the President said.
Referring to conduct of Youth-20 pre-Summit in Ladakh by the Central Government during G20 Presidency by India, Murmu said by this the Central Government has made another beginning to link development of Ladakh with the world-level.
She hoped that in the mission of Developed India for 2047, Ladakh will be in forefront in the parameters of Economic, Environment and Human Development.
Pointing to `Sustainable Industrial Policy 2022 to 2027, the President said local resources and capabilities will be utilized for which enough arrangements have been made.
“I happy due to these efforts, Ladakh especially the young generation will become economically independent, A Brand Ladakh Emporium has been opened in New Delhi. This will help workers and businessmen of Ladakh to make their identity at the national level and get an opportunity to promote their trade,” Droupadi Murmu said.
She recognized the establishment of the University of Ladakh in 2019 and praised the progress at Sindhu Central University.
“I’m pleased to know that all important things happening in Sindhu Central University are picking pace. We hope the institution will emerge as one of the best in the country,” she said.
Highlighting Ladakh’s move towards becoming a carbon-neutral region, the President said substantial steps have been taken in green energy including the establishment of high-latitude green hydrogen fueling stations.
“Recently, the Central Government approved the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) project. This aims to provide 13,000 megawatts of renewable energy which will be connected through an Interstate Transmission System (ISTS),” she said.
The President paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), in his welcome address, called the celebration of the 5th Foundation Day of Ladakh as a moment of pride for the people of Ladakh due to presence of the President as the chief guest.
Congratulating the people of Ladakh on completing four years as a Union Territory, the LG informed the President and the audience about the cultural troupes from Ladakh comprising students who performed at various Raj Bhawans/Raj Niwas in all states and UTs of India on the occasion of the Foundation Day of Ladakh, showcasing Ladakh’s rich culture and heritage.
Brg Mishra appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for his visionary initiatives and for his commitment towards the development of Ladakh. He highlighted various initiatives taken by the UT Administration along with both Hill Councils and PRIs for providing jobs through SSC & DSSRBs, upgradation of education and health facilities, providing skill development trainings to promote and encourage entrepreneurs to come up with their own start-ups, development of infrastructure projects in Ladakh, providing drinking water through piped water connections under Jal Jeevan Mission, connecting all remote areas of Ladakh through the installation of mobile towers, promoting rural tourism through Homestay Policy, promotion of tourism activities through various festivals, establishment of India’s first Dark Sky Reserve at Hanley, the distribution of pashmina kid pens to reduce mortality of pashmina kids in the winter months, the aim to make Ladakh an organic region under the Mission Organic Development Initiative (MODI), the establishment of Milk Pasteurisation Plant in Ladakh and the plan to set up the same plant in Kargil, the framing of e-vehicle policy along with development of solar power/geothermal projects in Ladakh to promote Ladakh as a carbon-neutral region, etc.
Students from Druk Padma Karpo School, Shey and Islamia Public High School, Leh showcased cultural performances on the occasion.
A video highlighting the achievement of Ladakh over the past four years was screened on the occasion.
Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson; Chairman, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon; Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal; Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk; Advisor to LG, Dr Pawan Kotwal; Executive Councillors and Councillors of LAHDC Leh; Administrative Secretaries; ADGP Ladakh, Dr SD Singh Jamwal; Chairpersons of BDC; PRI members; government officials, prominent citizens of Ladakh and heads of religious and political organisations were present during the UT Ladakh Foundation Day celebrations.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor, accorded a warm welcome to the President on her arrival in Leh at the Air Force Station, Leh in the presence of Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande; Tashi Gyalson; Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon; Jamyang Tsering Namgyal; Dr Pawan Kotwal; GOC 14 Corps, Lt Gen Rashim Bali; Dr SD Singh Jamwal; Air Officer Commanding Air Commodore D S Handa; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve and SSP Leh, PD Nitya.
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