Leh: The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today held an interactive session with JKAS officers posted in Leh district. The interaction aimed at fostering open dialogue, understanding ground realities, and strengthening people-centric governance in the region.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary took brief introductions from all officers and encouraged them to freely share their views and experiences. Emphasising a non-hierarchical and open work culture, Shri Kundra urged officers not to be constrained by rigid administrative structures but to think independently and innovatively in addressing public issues.
He laid strong emphasis on regular field visits, stating that unless officers reach villages and remote areas, it is difficult to fully understand the grievances and basic needs of the people. He highlighted issues such as mobile connectivity, access to essential services, and infrastructure gaps, and noted that local officers, being well-acquainted with the terrain and culture, are best positioned to bring meaningful change in their respective areas.
Stressing youth outreach, the Chief Secretary underlined that the youth will shape the future of Ladakh and should be encouraged to explore opportunities beyond conventional government jobs. He advocated promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and skill development, particularly in sectors aligned with Ladakh’s unique strengths.
Shri Kundra highlighted the important role of Leh Municipality in maintaining cleanliness, noting that Leh serves as the gateway to Ladakh and leaves a lasting first impression on visitors. He called for collective efforts to keep the city clean, organised, and welcoming. He emphasised the need for balanced and unified development of both Leh and Kargil districts, stating that inclusive growth across the Union Territory remains a core objective of the administration.
The Chief Secretary also spoke about developing Ladakh as a high-value, sustainable tourism destination on the lines of Bhutan, focusing on quality tourism and high-spending visitors rather than mass tourism, while preserving the fragile ecology and cultural heritage of the region.
During the interaction, JKAS officers raised various issues and suggestions, including implementation challenges of government schemes, and the need for greater awareness among the public about welfare programmes. They also highlighted Ladakh’s unique and valuable assets such as pashmina, orchards, sea buckthorn, and the potential for youth entrepreneurship in pashmina-related activities, aviation, hospitality, winter tourism, and other allied sectors. Broader developmental concerns and region-specific challenges were also discussed.
The Chief Secretary assured the officers that their concerns and suggestions would be examined seriously and encouraged them to work collaboratively with a sense of purpose, innovation, and commitment to serve the people of Ladakh effectively.
