Stresses for establishing model schools, exploring PPP models to boost education, infrastructure growth in Ladakh
Leh, August 30: Calling Health, Education and Tourism the three lifelines of Ladakh, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today said that all-out efforts are being made to strengthen these sectors to ensure holistic and sustainable development of the Union Territory.
“Unprecedented development is taking place across Ladakh. From health to education and tourism, new infrastructure is coming up at a rapid pace. It is important to highlight these achievements so that people know about the transformation being made possible by the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the UT Administration,” the Lt Governor said while chairing a review meeting on development projects under the Special Development Package (SDP) and state components.
Drawing from his recent visit to Daman & Diu UT, Shri Kavinder Gupta proposed the introduction of a Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) at SNM Hospital, Leh and District Hospital, Kargil. The advanced system, widely used in modern hospitals, allows rapid transport of lab samples, medicines, and critical documents across departments, ensuring faster and more efficient patient care.
He also stressed the need to establish model schools on the lines of Swami Vivekananda Vidya Mandir – one of the largest government schools in India – and encouraged exploring Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to boost education and infrastructure growth in Ladakh.
On tourism, the Lt Governor underlined the importance of implementing the Ladakh Mountaineering Policy in letter and spirit to safeguard the lives of mountaineers during expeditions and treks in the high-altitude region. “Strict enforcement of safety protocols will not only save lives but also enhance Ladakh’s image as a responsible adventure tourism destination,” he said.
Earlier, Dr. Tashi Thinles, Director Health Services, gave a detailed presentation on upcoming projects including a new Medical College and Nursing College, a Cardiac Cath Lab and Sewage Treatment Plant at SNM Hospital, upgradation of District Hospital Kargil, procurement of a 3 Tesla MRI machine, and construction of health centres across Ladakh.
Administrative Secretary, Bhanu Prabha, presented updates on projects in School Education, Higher Education and Technical Education. Administrative Secretary, Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, outlined the key initiatives of the Tourism Department, including the Bhimbat project, Droupadi Kund project, Penzi La development, Trans-Himalayan Cultural Centre at Leh, Sindhu Ghat Expansion, Chowkhang Vihara project, and restoration of Balti Bazar in Kargil. He also highlighted Ministry of Tourism-funded projects such as the Julley Leh Biodiversity Park, Hunderman Village Experience, Water Screen Projection Multimedia Show at Kargil, Sound and Light Show at Leh Palace, and the promotion of Mushkoh Valley as a sustainable tourism hub.
Mr. Rodrigues further apprised about new policy frameworks – Ladakh Homestay Policy 2023, STP Incentive Policy 2024, and the Ladakh Mountaineering Policy 2024 – aimed at promoting responsible, community-driven and sustainable tourism across the region.
