Defers LSSSSB exams to Dec in 6th Board meet, Graduate-level test in March, April 2026
Leh, Oct 31: In a proactive push to fortify Ladakh against the biting winter, Chief Secretary of UT- Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwal chaired a critical review meeting at Leh’s DC Conference Hall, scrutinizing departmental readiness for seamless essential supplies amid impending snow isolation.
The session zeroed in on safeguarding uninterrupted services for residents in remote, snow-locked pockets, with in-depth deliberations on tailored action plans, commodity stockpiles, and emergency protocols across sectors.
Dr Kotwal closely evaluated the Food Corporation of India’s (FCI) winter reserves, including food grain availability and advance ration distribution systems for inaccessible areas.
He issued firm directives to officials for punctual procurement and delivery, ensuring zero shortages for any household during the harshest winter peaks.
The Power Development Department briefed the Chief Secretary on the availability of diesel for operating DG sets, the status of power supply in remote villages, maintenance readiness, and the stock position of spare parts and batteries to tackle any contingencies. Dr Kotwal emphasised the importance of uninterrupted electricity supply, particularly in remote areas.
In the review of the Health Department, the Chief Secretary examined the availability of essential medicines, medical supplies, and upcoming procurement plans.
He directed the department to expedite the dispatch of medicines and critical equipment to snow-bound regions to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services during harsh weather.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the status of petroleum supplies with oil companies, including IOCL and the Leh bottling plant. Discussions focused on winter stocking of petroleum products, LPG cylinders, and storage capacities to meet seasonal demand.
Further, the Animal, Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries Department apprised the Chief Secretary of the stocking status of cattle feed, poultry feed, fish feed, and egg supplies. Dr Kotwal emphasised ensuring adequate availability of livestock nutrition to safeguard animal health during the winter months.
The meeting also included a review of the Forest Department regarding the availability and procurement of firewood, as well as the Cooperative and Agriculture Departments. Discussions centred on strategies for sustainable winter vegetable availability and measures to stabilise and control vegetable prices in the market.
Dr Kotwal directed all concerned departments to finalise their contingency plans, complete winter stocking on priority, and maintain close coordination to ensure smooth delivery of essential services throughout the winter season.
The meeting was attended by the Administrative Secretary, Cooperative Department, Bhupesh Chaudhary; Administrative Secretary, Power Development Department, Rahul Sharma; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Romil Singh Donk; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Ghulam Mohd; and senior officers from various concerned departments.
Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary, Chairman, Ladakh Staff Selection Subordinate Services Board (LSSSSB), Dr Pawan Kotwal, chaired the 6th meeting of the Board to review matters related to the conduct and scheduling of forthcoming examinations.
During the meeting, the Board deliberated upon the representations received from various individuals and student associations based in Delhi, Jammu, Chandigarh, and other places, regarding the postponement of the upcoming examinations. It was observed that while a few individuals opposed any deferment, several representations requested that the examinations be postponed to March–April 2026, whereas the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) requested that the examinations be conducted in the first week of December 2025.
After detailed deliberations and considering all viewpoints and logistical considerations, the Board decided that the District Board (Leh and Kargil) examinations for all levels, as well as the Matriculation-level examinations of the LSSSSB, shall be conducted in December 2025.
In view of the comprehensive syllabus prescribed for the Graduate-level examinations of the LSSSSB, it was further decided that these examinations shall be conducted in March, April 2026. The revised dates of the examinations to be held in December 2025 will be notified shortly.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioners/Chairman of the District Boards, Leh and Kargil, along with senior officers of the Administration and members of the Board.
Dr Pawan Kotwal emphasised that the examinations must be conducted in a fare, transparent, and candidate-friendly manner, ensuring that no aspirant is disadvantaged due to overlapping schedules or inadequate preparation time. He directed the concerned officials to finalise and issue the revised examination schedule at the earliest, ensuring wide publicity so that candidates are well-informed about the updated dates. He also underscored the importance of effective coordination among all departments and stakeholders to ensure the smooth and efficient conduct of the examinations across the Union Territory.
