Lieutenant Governor Hoists Tricolour on 79th I-Day
Leh, Aug 16: On the 79th Independence Day at Polo Ground in Leh, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta hailed transformative measures for Ladakh, including a ground-breaking 95% reservation in government jobs for local youth, a first in India, ensuring a secure future for Ladakhi generations.
Addressing a vibrant crowd celebrating the I-Day, he honoured the bravery of the Armed Forces, Ladakh Scouts, paramilitary, and police, paying tribute to martyrs and urging citizens to embrace their Constitutional duties.
Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas, Gupta emphasized Ladakh’s commitment to inclusive development under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
He pledged equitable progress, ensuring no village, community, or citizen is left behind in the region’s socio-economic transformation.
“From Kargil to the highest borders, Ladakh’s sons and daughters have scripted chapters of unmatched bravery,” he said, urging every citizen to uphold the Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Constitution.
Reaffirming the ideals of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas, the Lt Governor said the UT Administration, under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is committed to building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
“Our journey forward will be one of unity, equity, and shared progress, where no village, no community, and no citizen is left behind,” he said.
The Lt Governor cited the Ladakh Civil Services Decentralisation and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, 2025; Grant of Domicile Certificate Rules, 2025; and Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, introducing a unique domicile rule counting 15 years’ residency prospectively from 31 October 2019.
This provides 85% reservation for locals (80% ST, 4% ALC, 1% SC) and, with the de-reservation of the EWS quota in favour of locals, ensures an effective 95% reservation in public employment.
To address pending vacancies, over 1,600 posts have been advertised and 3,179 local youth have already been appointed. A one-time age relaxation of five years has been granted to compensate for delays in recruitment after the UT’s formation.
Highlighting the role of women, the Lt Governor noted the reservation of 33% of seats for women in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils for the first time, marking a historic step towards gender equality.
He expressed confidence that Ladakh would touch new heights of socio-economic progress with the vision, compassion and determination of the whole Nari Shakti of Ladakh.
He stated that the creation of five new districts — Nubra, Changthang, Sham, Zanskar, and Drass — would bring administration closer to the people. Updates were given on the Zojila and Shinkula tunnels, 845 km of new roads, and major upgrades in rural connectivity.
The LG said Ladakh is on course to become a renewable energy hub with 11 GW of solar projects and multiple hydroelectric projects. He also declared 100% literacy in Ladakh, citing smart classrooms in all schools. The establishment of Sindhu Central University along with IIT collaborations will place Ladakh on India’s higher education map, he added.
Shri Kavinder Gupta informed that new policies have been framed for homestays and mountaineering expeditions, promoting sustainable tourism. Bhoti and Purgi have been officially recognised as languages of Ladakh, preserving cultural heritage, he added.
He said that Hospital infrastructure is being expanded across the UT, with 100% immunisation coverage and the rollout of HPV vaccination for girls, marking a major milestone in preventive healthcare.
Concluding his address, the Lt Governor urged the people of Ladakh to take a pledge to unite for a future of peace, prosperity, and progress, making Ladakh the most developed Union Territory in the country. He assured to take necessary steps for the development of Ladakh by taking along people from every area, every religious belief and every section of Ladakh.
“The journey ahead is one of shared growth, where the spirit of Ladakh will shine as bright as our mountains,” he said to resounding applause.
Earlier, dressed in traditional Ladakhi Goncha, the Lt Governor reviewed the parade, comprising contingents from CRPF, ITBP, CISF, Ladakh Police, Ladakh Police Commando, ex-servicemen, NCC cadets, and school students. IRP 25 Battalion female band gave a mesmerising performance on the occasion. Cultural troupes and students from different schools performed on the occasion.
The Lt Governor also felicitated the winners of the marching contingent and cultural performances. Mutahhary Public School Baroo Kargil, emerged as the winner of the marching contingent, followed by Moravian Mission School and Govt Girls Higher Secondary School Leh, at second and third places, respectively. Druk Padma Karpo School, Shey claimed the first position in cultural performances while Govt High School, Garkone and Moravian Mission School, Leh clinched the second and third place, respectively.
Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson; Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk, Executive Councillors/Councillors from LAHDC Leh; Advisor to the LG, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS; ADGP Ladakh, Dr SD Singh Jamwal, IPS; venerable rinpoches/monks; head of political/religious institutions; administrative secretaries; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Romil Singh Donk, IAS; SSP Leh, Shruti Arora, IPS; officials from the Army/armed forces, Ladakh Police; prominent citizens/award winners of Ladakh; head of departments/directors and other district officials were present during the Independence Day celebrations at Polo Ground.
Gupta also hosted the traditional ‘At Home’ at Raj Niwas as part of the 79th Independence Day celebrations. The occasion was attended by elected representatives, heads of religious, political and social organisations, senior officers of the Armed Forces, award recipients, government officials, and other eminent personalities from across Ladakh, making it a vibrant gathering that reflected the spirit of unity and patriotism.
