JK News Today
Leh, July 13: Welcoming the Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision to extend the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act to all seven districts of the Union Territory, Voice of Buddhists Ladakh (VBL) Founder Skarma Namtak described the move as a historic milestone that will usher in a new era of grassroots democracy and balanced regional development across Ladakh.
Namtak expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena for their continued commitment towards the development and empowerment of Ladakh. He said the creation of five new Autonomous Hill Development Councils for Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Drass and Zanskar, alongside the existing councils in Leh and Kargil, fulfills another long-standing aspiration of the people.
Drawing a vivid comparison, Namtak remarked, “While the monsoon is at its peak in mainland India, here in Ladakh we are witnessing a downpour of back-to-back blessings from the Central Government.” He said that following the creation of five new districts, the decision to establish elected Hill Councils in each of them reflects the Centre’s unwavering resolve to strengthen local governance and ensure that development reaches every corner of the Union Territory.
He noted that the new councils will empower local communities by bringing decision-making closer to the people, enabling faster implementation of developmental projects and ensuring that every district has an equal voice in shaping its future. According to him, the decision reinforces the principles of democratic decentralisation while preserving the unique cultural identity and aspirations of every region of Ladakh.
Namtak further stated that the Central Government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to Ladakh through transformative reforms since the Union Territory’s creation, and the extension of the LAHDC framework is another landmark achievement in that journey.
Calling upon the people to support the new governance structure, the VBL founder said the establishment of seven Autonomous Hill Development Councils would lay the foundation for stronger institutions, greater public participation and inclusive development, benefiting present and future generations alike.
Describing the announcement as a defining moment in Ladakh’s democratic journey, Namtak said the people of the region look forward to working together to make the vision of an empowered, united and progressive Ladakh a reality.
