Leh, Jul 23: Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson on Wednesday called for implementation and promotion of GI tagging for Ladakh Pashmina safeguarding region’s unique GI products and ensuring exclusive rights for local breeders.
The CEC stated that the initiative is aimed at providing authorised ownership to Pashmina breeders of Ladakh and promoting authentic local products in national and international markets.
In this regard, the CEC convened a meeting with Tejas, CEO of GI Tagged, and Shinde, Regional In-charge of NHDC, along with their team members, to discuss the implementation and promotion of GI tagging for Ladakh Pashmina.
The officials further discussed the need to organise an awareness programme and a GI camp in Nyoma on August 25 to educate local stakeholders about the importance of GI certification, its marketing potential, and the process involved. It was suggested by the CEC that the concerned Councillors and local cooperative societies be engaged in the process.
The GI Tagged team also proposed collaboration with LAHDC Leh for marketing Ladakh’s GI products through their dedicated GI website and exclusive GI Mall in Bengaluru.
They expressed interest in creating a dedicated space for Ladakh products and requested CEC Tashi Gyalson to consider signing an MoU to formalise the partnership.
In response, CEC welcomed the move and asked the team to draft an MoU, based on which the collaboration can be taken forward.
Meanwhile, the CEC convened a meeting in the presence of DC, CEO LAHDC Leh, Romil Singh Donk, to review preparations for the HPV vaccine rollout for cervical cancer and the upcoming eye screening camp.
The meeting included a detailed discussion on the cervical cancer vaccination programme and its implementation strategy. Officials deliberated on the appropriate timeline for the launch of the HPV vaccine in Leh.
It was proposed that the vaccine will be administered to girl students from Classes 10 to 12, with special priority given to those from underprivileged backgrounds, particularly in government schools. The CEC directed the Chief Education Officer to compile a list of eligible students from both residential and non-residential schools and to initiate the process of obtaining consent from parents.
It was further discussed that the Chief Medical Officer, in coordination with the Chief Controller of Finance and the Deputy Registrar, Cooperatives, will ensure timely procurement of the HPV vaccine and make necessary arrangements for its safe storage and administration. Officials also deliberated on identifying vaccination centres and estimating the financial requirements for the programme.
In addition to the vaccination programme, the meeting also reviewed the upcoming eye screening camp. The camp is tentatively scheduled to be held across Leh, Changthang, and Zanskar between 12th September and the first week of October. It will include screenings as well as surgeries for cataract and pterygium cases. The CEC instructed officials to ensure the timely mobilisation of medical teams, equipment, and all necessary logistical arrangements to facilitate the smooth conduct of the camp.
A follow-up meeting will be held to finalise details and assess progress on both the vaccination programme and the eye screening camp. The combined efforts of LAHDC Leh and the Health Department aim to ensure that the HPV vaccination drive is implemented smoothly, efficiently, and reaches every targeted beneficiary.
The meeting was attended by Director Health, Dr. Tashi Thinles; Chief Medical Officer, Leh, Dr. Dolma Chuskit; Chief Controller of Finance, LAHDC Leh, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali; Chief Education Officer, Dr. Deldan Angmo; Medical Superintendent of SNM Hospital, Rinchen Chosdol; Coordinator of Phande Lekjin Welfare Society, Kunzes Dolma; Member of the Board of Directors of Phande Lekjin Welfare Society, Tonyot Tashi; and members of the Society, Chemat Dorjey and Urgyain Gyatso.
Earlier, Gyalson also convened a meeting with the Deputy Chairman, Tsering Angchuk; Executive Councillor, Ghulam Mehdi; Councillor Panamik, Tsering Sangdup; Councillor Tiger Rigzin Lundup and LBA Nubra President LP Namgyal to discuss several important issues concerning the Nubra region.
The meeting included a review of the Phyang to Nubra transmission line project, which holds critical importance for improving power infrastructure in the region.
The progress of the Thoise civil airport in Nubra was also discussed, with emphasis on the need to expedite work for improved regional connectivity.
A key issue highlighted was the proposed opening of a trekking route from Siachen Base Camp to Kumar Post and onward to Sasar La.
The Councillors requested the CEC to initiate a meeting with all concerned stakeholders, including the Administration, Army, and local representatives to formally discuss the feasibility and logistics of the route.
The meeting further reviewed the boundary rationalization of the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, which impacts both Nubra and Changthang. It was informed that the proposal has now been approved by the State Board for Wildlife and will be submitted to the National Board for Wildlife for final clearance.
The Councillors also drew attention to the vacant Tehsildar post at Sumoor and urged that the position be filled at the earliest to ensure smooth administrative functioning in the area.
These discussions highlight the Council’s continued focus on both developmental and ecological concerns in the region, through active coordination with local representatives.
