Leh, Aug 28 (JKNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Union Territory of Ladakh and is expected to share his views with the people besides launching development projects, Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju said on Friday.
Addressing the silver jubilee Founder’s Day function of Druk Padma Karpo School at Shey in Leh, as per news agency JKNS, Rijiju said the Prime Minister has been keen to visit Ladakh for a long time and his desire to interact with the people of the region may be realised soon.
Although the Union Minister did not specify the date of the visit, reports suggest that the Prime Minister may inaugurate and launch several development projects in the Union Territory, some of which are nearing completion.
“I, as a Cabinet Minister, have observed that Narendra Modi always has special focus on development of Ladakh, North East and Jammu and Kashmir,” Rijiju said.
He asserted that Ladakh is “very close to the heart” of Prime Minister Modi and said the Union Territory will soon get special provisions under Article 371 as an exceptional case.
Rijiju said the Union Government, under Modi’s guidance, is working through the Ministry of Home Affairs towards providing special provisions for Ladakh, expressing confidence that the measures would materialise soon and benefit the people of the region.
The Minister said Ladakh’s development landscape has witnessed a major transformation, particularly over the past decade, with significant improvements in infrastructure, road connectivity and social and economic development.
He said journeys between different parts of Ladakh that earlier took days can now be completed within hours due to improved connectivity.
Referring to the recent creation of new districts in Ladakh, Rijiju said the move would greatly benefit the local population. He also noted that the demand for Union Territory status, which had remained pending for years, had now been fulfilled.
Rijiju further said a High Court Bench will also be established in Ladakh, describing it as a major step that would benefit the local population by improving access to justice.
Speaking about minority welfare, Rijiju said he was the first Buddhist to hold a position in the Union Cabinet and attributed this to what he described as Prime Minister Modi’s care and concern for minorities. He said all minorities have equal opportunities in the country and that the Government is committed to their development.
Addressing students at the event, the Minister urged youth to remain connected with their roots and traditions and cautioned them against blindly following online trends, saying such influences could sometimes have negative consequences, including violence and law-and-order situations.
Senior officials of the UT administration and prominent members of religious and civil society organisations were also present on the occasion. (JKNS)