Ladakh, J&K celebrate 6th Foundation Day
The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier BD Mishra (retd), and First Lady, Neelam Mishra, attended the function to celebrate the sixth Foundation Day of UT Ladakh on October 31 in Leh.
Ladakh became a UT after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state of J&K in 2019.
The L-G stated that there were very few development projects for Ladakh when the region was still a part of the erstwhile state. The L-G highlighted the focus on efforts to develop Ladakh and his goals and aspirations for UT Ladakh for which he sought cooperation from the citizens of Ladakh to take the region forward on the path of development.
He also highlighted initiatives taken by the UT administration with support from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister, Amit Shah in all sectors, including the Dark Sky Reserve at Hanley, the permission for foreigners to stay overnight at Hanley, the Ladakh Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2023 to promote industrial development in the region by supporting local entrepreneurs and attracting investments, the ongoing work at Zoji La Tunnel, the construction and blacktopping of roads, construction of bridges, the installation of smart meters, transformers and transmission lines, the Ladakh Homestay Policy-2023 for promotion of rural/border tourism, etc.
The L-G also informed about his meeting with the Home Minister in which he briefed him about the issues faced by the people residing in border areas in meeting the concerned Deputy Commissioners due to the long distances and about his dream to create new administrative set-ups for the benefit and convenience of the people of Ladakh.
He stated that it was the result of the meeting that the Home Ministry announced five new districts for Ladakh. He highlighted the need to use this ‘gift from the Home Ministry’ effectively and efficiently under the supervision of the concerned Deputy Commissioners of the new districts to implement the district plans efficiently for the benefit of the people of Ladakh.
We’ll celebrate statehood foundation day as well: Sinha
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha said it was a reality that Jammu and Kashmir was a UT and now it has become a state.
Sinha addressed the J-K UT Foundation Day celebrations in Srinagar on Thursday. His remarks came when the elected Jammu and Kashmir government stayed away from the event.
“I am seeing that those who took oath as MLA and often refer to the Constitution of India (are not here),” Sinha said. “We will celebrate statehood foundation day as well.”
In his address, the L-G congratulated and extended his felicitations to the people of Jammu Kashmir on the occasion.
The Lieutenant-Governor highlighted the progressive policies and reforms and the unprecedented growth registered across the sectors in J&K.
“Our economic fundamentals are strong. Peace, stability, rule of law and time-tested democratic values make J&K UT an attractive investment destination,” he said.
He also spoke on the important role and contribution of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, and elected representatives in J&K's development. He expressed hope that the Panchayati Raj elections would be held soon in J&K.
The UT foundation day celebration took place as the elected government stayed away from the function.
National Conference Chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the NC has never accepted the UT foundation day. “When the government wants that statehood should be restored, then how can we attend the UT foundation day,” he said.
