STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: The 6th Foundation Day of the Union Territory of Ladakh was celebrated with great patriotic fervour at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat, Leh.
On this historic occasion, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurated a series of digital citizen-centric initiatives, marking a significant step in Ladakh’s journey toward transparency, efficiency, and technology-driven governance.
Ladakh was established as a separate Union Territory on October 31, 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370. Over the past six years, it has witnessed transformative growth under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Among the major initiatives launched by the Lt Governor were the Grievance Redressal Portal (grievance.ladakh.gov.in), Raj Bhawan Website (rajniwas.ladakh.gov.in), Swagatam Portal (swagatam.gov.in), Online Building Permission & Occupancy System (OBPOS) (obpos.ladakh.gov.in), and the SIDCO Loan Management Portal (sidco.ladakh.gov.in). He also unveiled the Sindhu Darshan magazine, highlighting his first 100 days in office.
Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor extended warm greetings to the people of Ladakh and described the day as a proud milestone in the UT’s developmental journey.
“In just six years, Ladakh has emerged as a model of balanced growth and progressive governance. Despite harsh climatic and geographical challenges, we have made remarkable progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, power, water, and tourism,” he said.
Commending officials for their efforts, he added, “These digital platforms symbolize the principles of good governance – efficiency, accessibility, and accountability. Ladakh today stands as a beacon of transparent and citizen-oriented administration.”
The Lt Governor reaffirmed that Ladakh’s development reflects Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to holistic regional growth. He highlighted sustainability and renewable energy as core priorities, stating, “The dream of a Carbon-Neutral Ladakh is becoming a people’s movement. Our advances in solar energy and environmental conservation demonstrate the region’s determination toward sustainable living.”
Praising the dedication of UT officials and youth, Gupta said, “Ladakh’s youth are excelling in sports, innovation, and entrepreneurship. True development lies in ensuring that every family lives with dignity and happiness.” He also emphasized Ladakh’s enduring communal harmony, where people of all faiths live in peace and mutual respect.
Earlier, Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal congratulated the people and highlighted key collaborations with the Government of India. The celebrations included a cultural performance by students of Druk Padma Karpo School, Shey, and a documentary on six years of Ladakh’s progress.
The event was attended by DGP Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, administrative secretaries, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, senior officials, and students.