Leh, Oct 15 (JKNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the development of Ladakh remains a top priority for the Central Government, with special focus on youth empowerment, quality education, modern infrastructure and employment opportunities in the Union Territory.
Virtually inaugurating five development projects covering airport infrastructure and strategic road connectivity, worth around Rs 3,350 crore, as per news agency JKNS, Modi said the government is committed to developing modern infrastructure while ensuring the protection of Ladakh’s fragile environment.
He said special attention is being given to the younger generation so that students can access quality higher education, research facilities and modern technological skills within the region without having to move to other cities.
“Our special focus is on the new generation of Ladakh. The youth of Ladakh will now be able to get better opportunities for higher education, research, and new skills right in their own region,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the proposed establishment of a major centre of excellence in Leh and proposals for satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu, saying these initiatives would strengthen educational opportunities for local students.
Modi said the development projects inaugurated on Thursday would improve connectivity, strengthen electricity infrastructure, enhance water availability and support the preservation of Ladakh’s ancient heritage.
The projects include a new passenger terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, constructed at a cost of Rs 640 crore. The terminal incorporates geothermal energy for improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
He also dedicated to the nation the 298-km-long Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the 9 MW Hanu small hydroelectric project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi transmission line.
Other projects include India’s first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh and 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar.
“Today, the development of Ladakh is a top priority for the Central government. I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the people of Ladakh for these projects,” Modi said, while appreciating the engineers, workers and local personnel involved in their execution, particularly the BRO.
Referring to judicial infrastructure, the Prime Minister said the government had officially approved the establishment of a High Court bench for Ladakh in August, describing it as an important step towards improving access to justice for the people.
He also highlighted Ladakh’s potential in sports, particularly ice hockey, winter sports and mountaineering, and said efforts were underway to provide young athletes with better training and facilities through the region’s new sports policy.
The Prime Minister said expanding BharatNet and high-speed internet connectivity across remote areas would improve access to e-governance, online education and digital business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
He said digital connectivity was opening new avenues of income for hotels, restaurants, homestays and local handicraft businesses.
Referring to the Vibrant Villages programme, Modi said more than 40 border settlements were being upgraded to stimulate local economic activity and generate employment opportunities in remote areas.
He also stressed the need to strengthen the global identity of Ladakh’s Pashmina and other local products through improved branding, wider market access and measures to ensure that producers directly benefit from their products.
Expressing confidence in Ladakh’s development prospects, the Prime Minister said collective efforts would help take the Union Territory to new heights of progress. (JKNS)