Ladakh has achieved historic job protection, development milestones: LG Kavinder

Independence Day celebrated with fervor across UT

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Aug 16: Union Territory of Ladakh has achieved historic job protection and development milestones and is on the path to self-reliance under the guidance of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This was stated by Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta while addressing a gathering at Polo Ground here after hoisting the National Flag on the Independence Day. Ladakh has become the first region in India to ensure 95% reservation in Government jobs for local youth–a “permanent shield” for the future of Ladakhi generations, he said.
Paying tribute to the martyrs and launching the courage of armed forces, the LG said, “from Kargil to the highest borders, Ladakh’s sons and daughters have scripted chapters of unmatched bravery”. He urged every citizen to uphold the fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution.
Reaffirming the ideals of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”, “Sabka Vishwas Sabka Prayaas”, the Lt Governor said the UT Administration under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He emphasised that this guiding philosophy forms the cornerstone of Ladakh’s governance ensuring development reaches every corner of the region and benefits people of all religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds and socio-economic sections.
The Lt Governor cited the Ladakh Civil Services Decentralization and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, 2025; Grant of Domicile Certificate Rules, 2025 and Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, introducing a unique domicile rule counting 15 years’ residency prospectively from October 31, 2019. This provides 85% reservation for locals (80% ST, 4% ALC, 1% SC) and the de-reservation of the EWS quota in favour of locals, ensures an effective 95% reservation in public employment.
To address pending vacancies, over 1,600 posts have been advertised and 3,179 local youth have already been appointed. A one-time age relaxation of five years has been granted to compensate for delays in recruitment after the UT’s formation, the LG said.
Highlighting the role of women, the Lt Governor noted the reservation of 33% of seats for women in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils for the first time, marking a historic step towards gender equality. He expressed confidence that Ladakh would touch new heights of socio-economic progress with the vision, compassion and determination of the whole Nari Shakti of Ladakh.
He stated that the creation of five new districts – Nubra, Changthang, Sham, Zanskar, and Drass would bring administration closer to the people. He urged the people of Ladakh to take a pledge to unite for a future of peace, prosperity, and progress, making Ladakh the most developed Union Territory in the country.
Earlier, dressed in traditional Ladakhi Goncha, the Lt Governor reviewed the parade, comprising contingents from CRPF, ITBP, CISF, Ladakh Police, Ladakh Police Commando, ex-servicemen, NCC cadets, and school students. IRP 25 Battalion female band gave a mesmerising performance on the occasion. Cultural troupes and students from different schools performed on the occasion.
Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson; Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk, Executive Councilors/ Councilors from LAHDC Leh; Advisor to the LG, Dr Pawan Kotwal, ADGP Ladakh, Dr SD Singh Jamwal were among other dignitaries present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, celebrated the 79th Independence Day with great enthusiasm. The celebrations at the Council Secretariat were led by the Chairman/Chief Executive Councilor (CEC) Tashi Gyalson, who unfurled the Tricolour amid spirited renditions of the National Anthem.
On the occasion, the CEC stated that the celebration of this day serves as a constant reminder of the immense sacrifices and struggles that paved the way for the nation’s freedom.
In Kargil, Chairman and CEC LAHDC Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon hoisted the National Flag at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium, Biamathang and took the salute at the march past.
The celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation from contingents of Ladakh Police, the Police Band Party, and students from various Government and private schools.
Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Executive Councilors Kacho Mohammad Feroz and Phunchok Tashi; Deputy Commissioner and CEO LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kargil, Shree Ram R and others.
In his address, Dr Jaffer paid homage to freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, Subhash Chandra Bose, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Ashfaq Ullah Khan and Lal Bahadur Shastri. He called Independence Day “a symbol of freedom, independence, and peace,” and urged citizens to work towards the progress and happiness of the nation.

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