Leh, Dec 08: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta on Monday inaugurated the upgraded Ladakh Model School in Ibex Colony, announcing the Union Territory administration’s commitment to expanding inclusive education under the National Education Policy 2020.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony attended by parents, teachers and students, Gupta said the transition from a primary to a middle school under the Samagra Shiksha programme would ease access to schooling up to Class 8 within the locality, reducing travel hardships and helping curb dropout rates, especially among girls.
He said that education remained the foundation of societal progress and affirmed that the administration would ensure no child’s learning was obstructed by harsh weather, remote terrain or limited resources. Infrastructure upgrades including improved classrooms, drinking water, sanitation, sports facilities and digital tools are underway across government schools, he added.
Referring to national reforms driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the LG said initiatives under NEP 2020 were enabling children in geographically challenged regions like Ladakh to experience inclusive and modern learning. “Education is a nation’s most powerful tool for transformation,” he remarked.
Gupta also underlined the need for well-rounded development, encouraging schools to integrate sports, culture, arts, values and life skills. He said Ladakhi children carry a distinctive identity shaped by heritage and discipline, and that the administration aimed to combine modern academics with local traditions to cultivate responsible citizens.
Recognising teachers as central to shaping students’ futures, the LG urged them to foster curiosity and innovation in classrooms. He appealed to parents to remain active stakeholders by ensuring attendance and participation in school activities to support their children’s overall growth.
Gupta expressed appreciation for community involvement in strengthening the education ecosystem and hoped the school would emerge as a centre of opportunity for the region’s youth. He later inspected newly built classrooms and Bal Vatikas at the campus.
Administrative Secretary of the School Education Department, Bhanu Prabha, outlined plans to upgrade 50 more government schools into model institutions equipped with digital classrooms and modern teaching methods. Parents present welcomed the improvements, with several saying they had shifted children from private schools in pursuit of better learning outcomes.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Director School Education, Tashi Dolma. Senior officials, members of the Village Education Committee, teachers and residents attended the programme.
