Chief Secy chairs LSDM Council, approves FY 2025–26 SAP
LEH: The Union Territory of Ladakh has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its skill development framework, with Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal chairing the 5th Governing Council meeting of the Ladakh Skill Development Mission (LSDM) at the Civil Secretariat, Leh, on Wednesday.
The Council finalized the Annual Action Plan for FY 2025–26 and approved the upgradation and establishment of laboratories for skill-based courses in Government Degree Colleges across the region. The meeting also reviewed ongoing programs, including expert lecture series in ITIs and polytechnics, and discussed the creation of incubation centres in degree colleges to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
Emphasizing the need for modern equipment, quality infrastructure, and effective pedagogy, Dr. Kotwal said that skill development must remain at the core of Ladakh’s youth empowerment agenda. “Our goal is to ensure that young people are trained in industry-relevant skills that enhance employability and support the vision of Viksit Ladakh within Viksit Bharat,” he remarked.
Highlighting LSDM’s achievements, the Chief Secretary commended the integration of industry-aligned courses under NEP 2020, developed in collaboration with the Higher Education Department and Sector Skill Councils—placing Ladakh among the early adopters of this model nationally.
According to official data presented at the meeting, 16 Skill Centres have been established across seven higher education institutions, offering 11 specialized courses. Over 400 college students have already completed certification programs under these initiatives.
Administrative Secretary of the School Education Department, Bhanu Prabha, informed the Council that the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) has partnered with LSDM, resulting in the launch of 150 local products in the past four months. She also noted that LSDM recently received the “Centre for Innovations in Public Systems (CIPS) Award 2024” in the Education Sector for its contributions to skill-based learning.
Dr. Kotwal directed officials to ensure that training facilities are equipped with advanced tools and machinery, providing students with hands-on exposure to evolving technologies. He reiterated that empowering youth through skill development would not only strengthen individuals but also contribute to the overall progress of the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Smt. Bhanu Prabha, Administrative Secretary, Higher Education; Bhupesh Chaudhary, Administrative Secretary, Transport; Sanjeet Rodrigues, Administrative Secretary, Tourism and Culture; along with other department heads. The Director, Social Welfare; Deputy Commissioner, Kargil; Chief Planning Officer, Leh; and representatives from RDSDE and NSDC joined the deliberations virtually.
With the approval of new proposals and a forward-looking action plan, the LSDM is poised to expand Ladakh’s skilling ecosystem and position the Union Territory as a hub for innovation-driven human capital.
