SRINAGAR: Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Dr Ashok K. Lahiri on Saturday chaired a meeting with senior officials of the Union Territory of Ladakh to review its economic development priorities, ongoing projects and key challenges across infrastructure, connectivity, education, tourism, energy, water and employment.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra made a detailed presentation on Ladakh’s economic and financial position, including budget allocations since 2020-21, revenue mobilisation, expenditure trends, tax and non-tax revenues, GST collections and power-sector finances.
The meeting also reviewed the widening gap between revenue collection and expenditure, besides sector-wise Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), Gross State Value Added (GSVA) and employment trends.
Infrastructure and connectivity emerged as key areas of discussion, with officials reviewing projects under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, power transmission, road connectivity, the new domestic airport terminal and 4G services.
Secretary Power Himanshu Gupta briefed the meeting on efforts to connect remote areas and highlighted Ladakh’s significant potential for solar and other renewable energy sources.
Tourism was identified as a major avenue for economic growth, with discussions focusing on astro-tourism, winter tourism and Buddhist and cultural tourism. The meeting stressed the need for improved connectivity and a more diversified tourism model.
The potential of local products such as seabuckthorn, apricot and pashmina was also discussed. Officials emphasised the need for modern processing facilities, value addition, branding and stronger market linkages.
Dr Lahiri stressed the importance of strengthening the entire pashmina value chain while preserving traditional hand-spinning and craftsmanship and making appropriate use of modern technology.
Education was another key area reviewed during the meeting. Secretary School Education Bhanu Prabha briefed officials on government and private schools, enrolment, teacher availability, hostels and challenges in the sector.
The meeting took note of the improvement in Ladakh’s CBSE examination performance. Dr Lahiri called for strengthening school infrastructure, addressing dropout and hostel-related issues and giving greater emphasis to STEM education, foundational literacy and numeracy and skill development, particularly for students from remote and disadvantaged areas.
Water security was identified as a fundamental priority, with Dr Lahiri stressing the importance of reliable drinking-water supply and effective implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Officials informed the meeting that Ladakh had achieved 99.5 per cent coverage under JJM. Discussions also covered the AMRUT Mission, protection of water sources and plantation of suitable native species.
Dr Lahiri also reviewed the financial sustainability of the power sector and called for improving revenue realisation and operational efficiency. The potential of net metering and decentralised renewable-energy generation was discussed as part of efforts to strengthen the sector.
Female labour-force participation and the need to create greater employment opportunities for women and youth also figured in the deliberations.
On employment and entrepreneurship, the meeting emphasised developing viable enterprises in animal husbandry, sheep farming, poultry, hatcheries and other local sectors. Officials highlighted the need for modern facilities, market linkages, sustainable business models and greater value addition.
Kundra sought NITI Aayog’s support in training and mentoring young entrepreneurs in Ladakh.
Dr Lahiri said NITI Aayog would support efforts to strengthen the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem through initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission. He also proposed creating a consolidated database of promising ideas and connecting young entrepreneurs in Ladakh with experienced mentors from outside the region.
The meeting further discussed strengthening Science, Technology and Innovation support for Ladakh and preparing a clear development roadmap with measurable milestones for economic and social progress.
Dr Lahiri said Ladakh’s development strategy should build on its distinctive strengths, including its natural resources, cultural heritage, human capital and renewable-energy potential, while ensuring environmental sustainability and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra and senior administrative officials from the departments of planning, finance, school education, PWD, law, animal husbandry, health, food and civil supplies and tourism, besides senior officials from NITI Aayog.
