Tasaduq Hussain
Leh, Sep 24: Ahead of the 6th general Ladakh autonomous hill development council (LADHC) election, member parliament from Ladakh, Jamynag Namgyal has proposed to the union home minister to expand the UT from two to eight districts.
Ladakh, one of the biggest constituencies in India, is set to hold the 6th general LADHC polls next month while the veteran leaders and other groups have collectively called for a complete poll boycott to demand a sixth schedule for the region.
In a letter addressed to the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, a copy of which lies with the news agency KNO, Jamyang Namgyal, said for efficient administration and inclusive development of all the regions of the UT Ladakh it must be expanded to 8 districts.
The letter reads, “The 70 year’s old demand for establishment of union territory has been fulfilled only because of the honorable prime minister’s leadership and your compassionate understanding of the aspirations of the people of Ladakh.”
“As you are aware, union territory of Ladakh is one of the largest regions in the country in terms of area with population scattered all over the far flung and remotest areas strategically located bordering with Pakistan on one side and China on the other side. It is also the largest parliamentary constituency in the country,” reads the letter.
It further reads that the establishment of union territory of Ladakh and large inflow of funds for development of the region, there is extreme need for expansion and decentralization of administrative setup for ensuring inclusive and wholesome development of each part of the region.
“In the erstwhile state of J&K, we were merely provided with two percent of the state budget and strangulated in terms of making available officials for carrying out the limited development work.”
It further stated that the parts of Ladakh like Zanskar, Nubra, Changthang, Drass and Sineylalok area are in severe need of administrative machinery for fulfilling the decades-old aspirations of the people of these regions.
“At present, the district headquarters of Leh and Kargil which during the winter get cut off from these regions are not able to ensure inclusive development in spite of all possible efforts.”
The letter further states that it is being essentially felt that the number of districts in Ladakh may be expanded from two to eight with Zanskar, Nubra, Changthang, Sham, Drass, Sankoo may be carved out of the present two districts of Leh and Kargil.
