NEW DELHI/LEH: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Monday and held an extensive discussion on further strengthening welfare initiatives and enhancing connectivity across the Union Territory, particularly during the winter months when Ladakh remains cut off from the rest of the country.
During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor apprised the Defence Minister of the unique challenges faced by the people of Ladakh due to extreme climatic conditions and limited accessibility during the prolonged winter season.
He sought the Ministry’s continued assistance under Operation Sadbhavana, an important initiative of the Indian Army aimed at promoting goodwill, education, healthcare, and community welfare in remote regions of Ladakh.
Kavinder Gupta emphasised the need to further augment air connectivity to ensure uninterrupted supplies and emergency movement during the winter period.
He requested the continuance of air services between Kargil–Thoise–Chandigarh and also proposed enhanced air maintenance services between Leh and Delhi to facilitate essential logistics, passenger movement, and medical evacuations when road access remains closed due to heavy snowfall.
The Lt Governor expressed his gratitude to the Defence Minister for the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of border residents, including the medical evacuation of civilians and for the Army’s continued role in Ladakh’s socio-economic development.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh appreciated the concerns raised by the Lt Governor and assured all possible assistance from the Ministry of Defence in coordination with relevant agencies to improve connectivity and extend the scope of humanitarian outreach in Ladakh.
Regarding the welfare schemes and round the year connectivity in Ladakh, the LG has earlier taken up these issues with the Union Ministry, even days after assuming charge as the LG of Ladakh in August this year.
In his first high-level interactions since assuming office, LG met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the national capital to discuss the Union Territory’s developmental priorities, connectivity challenges, and opportunities in tourism and local livelihoods.
During his meeting with Prime Minister Modi, Gupta provided a detailed briefing on the ground realities and aspirations of Ladakh’s people, emphasising the need for improved connectivity, healthcare services, and livelihood opportunities.
He spotlighted Ladakh’s vast potential in eco-tourism, adventure sports, and cultural heritage-based experiences, saying these sectors could drive sustainable economic growth while preserving the region’s identity.
At that time, the PM reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Ladakh, stressing that governance and welfare benefits must reach “the last person in the remotest village” of the UT.
In a separate meeting with HM Shah, Gupta had discussed Ladakh’s administrative framework, border area development, and the urgent need to improve telecommunication connectivity in remote and high-altitude settlements.
The talks also covered plans to enhance infrastructure to support agriculture, handicrafts, and winter tourism, sectors seen as critical for boosting local incomes.
Shah had also reaffirmed the Centre’s focus on strengthening border infrastructure and improving the quality of life in Ladakh, while emphasising the importance of peace and harmony alongside development.
