Leh, Sept 21: At Digital Innovation Summit (DIS) held under the national initiative ‘Digital India – Powering Progress with Purpose’, Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwal underscored recent infrastructure projects, including new power initiatives and the drive to ensure 4G saturation across border villages.
The Information Technology Department of the Union Territory hosted the DIS in Leh.
In his keynote address, CS Kotwal highlighted the region’s geographical challenges and stressed the importance of leveraging technology to reach Ladakh’s dispersed population.
Chief Secretary highlighted Ladakh’s major transformation over the last few years and initiatives taken by the UT Administration to connect all parts of Ladakh through road network, power supply and mobile network connectivity. His keynote address was flanked by Dr S. D. Singh Jamwal, DGP Ladakh
The conclave brought together senior policymakers, administrators, technology experts, and industry leaders to deliberate on how digital transformation can strengthen governance, connectivity, and inclusive development in the unique context of Ladakh.
Dr Ravi Gupta, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Elets Technomedia emphasized the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on governance and development.
The Ladakh’s digital and sustainable growth journey reflects the spirit of New India and will significantly contribute to India’s emergence as a global digital leader and Vishwaguru.
Shashanka Ala, Administrative Secretary of the IT Department, underscored the need for vision and collaboration, stressing that digital governance in Ladakh must grow authentically from the realities of Himalayan life.
Stanzin Chosphel, Executive Councillor for IT, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to digitizing villages and ensuring universal connectivity by year’s end.
Principal Secretary, Vocational Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, Dr Hari Om and Administrative Secretary, IT Department, UT Ladakh, Shashanka Ala, also spoke on the occasion.
The summit also witnessed industry presentations from Cloudera and Airtel Business, showcasing the role of AI, data, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity in shaping Ladakh’s digital future and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
A series of thematic sessions and panel discussions featuring senior IAS officers and experts explored the Digital Public Infrastructure for Inclusive Development, highlighting BharatNet, satellite internet, open-source platforms, and their role in agriculture and farmers’ welfare.
It moved to Reinventing Public Service Delivery in the Digital Era, focusing on tech-driven governance, transparency, and health-sector reforms.
The next session, Unlocking New Possibilities in Governance Through AI, IoT, and Cloud, explored citizen-centric solutions in health, education, and infrastructure.
Building a Globally Competitive, Digitally Smart & Cyber-Resilient Public Sector followed, discussing digital transformation, research, and cybersecurity. The final session, Tech for Good, Using Innovation to Address Governance Challenges, showcased practical applications of digital innovation in health, education, renewable energy, agriculture, and transport.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Krishna C. Mishra of Elets Technomedia, who acknowledged the contributions of all dignitaries, speakers, and partners in shaping Ladakh’s digital roadmap.
The summit was supported by Cloudera as Platinum Partner, Airtel Business and ONGC as Gold Partners, NTPC and Powergrid as Silver Partners, along with Inspira and Aman Technologies as exhibitors and branding partners.
