Ashish Kundra, Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, chaired a meeting to review the departmental schemes of the Rural Development Department and discuss the approval of Annual Plans for the upcoming financial year.
The meeting was held in Leh on March 11, 2026.
Review of Departmental Structure and Development Initiatives
During the meeting, Shashanka Ala, Administrative Secretary of the Rural Development Department, presented a detailed overview of the department’s administrative structure, including the staff strength of Group A and Group B officers and the status of Group C positions.
He also highlighted the functioning of various wings of the department and the progress of ongoing developmental initiatives across Ladakh.
Infrastructure Development in Leh and Kargil
The Chief Secretary reviewed developmental works being carried out under the State Sector and Special Development Packages.
Key achievements of the department include the construction of 98 Public Libraries across Leh and Kargil districts, while 50 additional libraries are currently under construction.
The department has also completed 184 Community Facilitation Centres, Panchayat Ghars, Block Development Offices (BDO) and Block Development Council (BDC) offices.
Other rural infrastructure initiatives include the installation of:
- Solar street lights
- High mast lights
- Public parks
- Solid waste management infrastructure in rural areas
Review of Major Government Schemes
The meeting also assessed the progress of several flagship government programmes, including:
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin
- Swachh Bharat Mission
- Solid Waste Management initiatives
Officials presented the physical and financial targets for the financial year 2026–27, which were reviewed in detail during the meeting.
Focus on Rural Livelihood and Women Empowerment
Discussions were also held on the implementation of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission and the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission (LRLM).
Key areas of focus included:
- Women empowerment initiatives
- Financial inclusion programmes
- Self-Help Group (SHG) bank linkages
- Community Investment Funds
- Skill development initiatives
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Lakhpati Didi initiative and the proposed NRLM budget for 2026–27.
Watershed Development and Water Conservation
Officials also discussed the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, particularly its Watershed Development Component (WDC-PMKSY).
The discussions focused on water conservation, springshed development and district-wise performance under the programme.
Emphasis on Timely Execution of Works
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the category-wise works being undertaken under MGNREGA and stressed the importance of timely execution and effective monitoring of development projects.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Administrative Secretary Shashanka Ala, Administrative Secretary for Higher Education Bhanu Prabha, the Director of the Rural Development Department, Joint Director, heads of departments and other concerned officials.
The review meeting focused on strengthening rural infrastructure, improving livelihood opportunities and ensuring effective implementation of government schemes across Ladakh.
