lahdc achievements

Achievements of the fourth hill council, 2011-2015

LADAKH AUTONOMOUS HILL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. LEH

.hG.P.BP..YP..M.m.G J

LAHDC LEH

LAHDC LEH

LADAKH AUTONOMOUS HILL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. LEH

.hG.P.BP..YP..M.m.G J


Editor: Rinchen DolmaDistrict Information Department, Leh

Consulting editor: Sunetro Ghosal, Stawa

Coordinator: Delex Namgyal, Jr KAS PS to CEC, LAHDC, Leh

Photography: Tsering Namgail (Tsas-khan)District Information Department, Leh

Layout and design: Raul Chhokkun


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Table of contentsThe fourth hill council (2011 to 2015) ........................................................................................ 5Foreword .......................................................................................................................................................... 7Ladakh 2025 Vision Document executive summary .......................................................... 9Overview of the fourth hill council, Leh .................................................................................. 13Revenue Department ............................................................................................................................. 22

LAND-BASED ECONOMY

Agriculture department .................................................................................................................... 26Horticulture department ................................................................................................................. 29Animal Husbandry department ................................................................................................. 30Sheep Husbandry department ..................................................................................................... 33

NEW ECONOMY

Information Technology .................................................................................................................. 36Leh Development Authority ........................................................................................................ 39Tourism Department ......................................................................................................................... 41Small Scale and Cottage Industries .......................................................................................... 42Employment Department .............................................................................................................. 42District Industries Centre ............................................................................................................... 43Handicraft Department ................................................................................................................... 44Handloom Development Department .................................................................................. 45Fisheries Department......................................................................................................................... 46Labour Department ............................................................................................................................ 47

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Physical Infrastructure ...................................................................................................................... 48Public Works Department ............................................................................................................. 48

Road Division ................................................................................................................................... 48Public Health Engineering Division .................................................................................. 49Irrigation and Flood Control Division ............................................................................ 50

Parks and Garden Department ................................................................................................... 51PMGSY ....................................................................................................................................................... 51Rural Development Department ............................................................................................... 52District Rural Development Agency ....................................................................................... 54Command Area Development Department ..................................................................... 55

4Achievements of the fourth hill council, 2011-2015

Power Development Department ............................................................................................. 56Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Agency .................................................... 58

SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Health ......................................................................................................................................................... 60Education .................................................................................................................................................. 64

District Institute for Educational Training .................................................................... 67Industrial Training Institute .................................................................................................... 69Youth Services and Sports Department ........................................................................... 70

Conservation of Natural Resources.......................................................................................... 72Forest Department ......................................................................................................................... 72Wildlife Protection Department .......................................................................................... 73Soil and Water Conservation Department .................................................................... 75

Social and Cultural Values ............................................................................................................. 76Social Welfare Department ...................................................................................................... 76Integrated Child Development Scheme .......................................................................... 77J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages ........................................................... 78

Micro Level Planning and Governance ................................................................................. 79Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution ................................................................... 79Municipal Committee, Leh ..................................................................................................... 80Cooperatives Department ......................................................................................................... 82Information Department, Leh............................................................................................... 83District Panchayat Office .......................................................................................................... 84Gyurja TISS ....................................................................................................................................... 85Statistics and Evaluation ............................................................................................................ 86Mechanical Division ..................................................................................................................... 87


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The fourth Council (2011 to 2015)Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh

The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils Act, 1995 has presented Leh and Kargil, the two districts of Ladakh region, a unique opportunity for local po-litical representation and accountability in governance and decision-making at the district level. Access to information is an important element of dialogues between voters, elected representatives and office bearers in the district administration. This publication is an important step in this direction by providing access to information of various achievements by the fourth hill council through its term (2011-2015).

This publication builds on the Ladakh 2025 Vision Document published by the LA-HDC, Leh in 2005. The vision document provides a coherent structure and frame-work to organize and integrate the diversity of activities and responsibilities of the hill council in the district. Thus, various departments that function under the hill council are clustered around the categories outlined in the vision document, name-ly: traditional economy, new economy, physical infrastructure and social infrastruc-ture. In several cases, the work of specific departments cut across several categories. In such cases, an attempt has been made to focus on the core responsibility of the department in order to locate it within a specific category.

The publication covers the period starting from 2010-11 and ends in 2014-15. However, given the incongruence between the main work season (summer) and the financial year (April to March), several departments have been unable to report for the entire period of 2014-15. In such cases, they have reported their latest perfor-mance in 2014-15.

Each department was asked to submit their performance for the aforementioned period. Their details were collated and summarized by a team at the hill council and returned to the department for their comments and approval. The changes were then incorporated and the final draft was sent to the Chief Executive Councillor for his approval. The publication thus reports the performance of the fourth hill council through the activities carried out by the departments that implement its decisions and directions. Thus, the results reported here provide an overview of the perfor-mance of the fourth hill council and is an important step towards transparency in governance and improving accessibility of information within LAHDC, Leh.

Rinchen DolmaInformation Department, Leh

Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh

Sonam DorjeEC Agriculture

Mohd Shafi LassuEC Tourism/CA & PD

Dr Sonam WangchukEC Health

Gurmet DorjayEC Sheep/Animal Husbandry

Saugat Biswas, IASDC/CEO, LAHDC, Leh


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Foreword

The fourth hill council received its mandate in the aftermath of the 2010 flash flood that caused tragic loss of life and damaged property at an unprecedented scale. As a re-sult, the fourth hill council faced the added challenge of providing long-term relief, rehabilitation and restoration of damaged infrastructure besides fulfilling the obliga-tions of its popular mandate.

As an institution, the hill council remains constrained by several factors including a limited constitutional mandate, weak policy framework and inadequate resources. Despite these constrains, I am proud to report that the fourth hill council managed to achieve several milestones as a result of the un-stinting support of the general public and the untiring efforts of my colleagues in the council and officers of the district administration led by the Chief Executive Officer of LAHDC, Leh. Through their efforts, the fourth council was able to overcome several challenges including resolution of the large financial liability inherited from the third hill council, the long-term relief and rehabilitation of those affected by the 2010 flash floods and hosting of the 33rd Kalachakra.

Since 2011, the fourth hill council has endeavored to bring about positive change and improvements on many fronts. One of these sectors is education, where the efforts of different stakeholders have borne fruits by way of a consistent improvement in board exam results since 2011. The fourth hill council also prioritized transparency and im-provement in the work culture of government offices in the district to ensure that pub-lic services were delivered in a prompt and decentralized manner. While there is always scope for improvement, it is heartening to observe changes in the general work culture that has started to produce results in different sectors.

The fourth hill council has continued with efforts to keep Ladakhi society rooted in its time-tested cultural values even as it embraces modernity. The Ladakh Vision Docu-ment 2025 and LAHDC Perspective Plan for 12th Five Year Plan have provided im-portant bridges to connect traditional heritage and modern values. They have helped shape the fourth hill councils efforts to build a resilient and self-contained society that champions social equity and justice, economic self reliance and inclusive development. In leading the fourth hill council, I have witnessed the determination and persistence of different stakeholders whose efforts have strengthened the hill council, which now serves as a model for hill area development in India and around the world. While this is commendable, we must guard against complacency and continue striving for excellence.

Rigzin SpalbaRChief Executive Councilor/Chairman

Fourth hill council (2011-2015)Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh


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Ladakh 2025 Vision DocumentExecutive Summary

Ladakh is a society in transition. Largely isolated from the rest of the world till it was opened for mass tourism in 1974, the region is still undergoing rapid change. New ideas, lifestyles and practices meet an old indigenous tradition and culture in Lada-khi society, leading to varying degrees of uncertainty. To remedy this uncertainty, a need was felt to develop a framework for Ladakhis to integrate the old with the new. It was this need that led to the development of the Ladakh 2025 Vision Document in 2005. The rapid decline of the regions resourcesnatural, social and culturalwas another reason for developing the vision document. The Ladakh 2025 Vision Document was meant to serve as a collection of strategies to address this decline.

The four broad sections covered in the Ladakh 2025 Vision Document are tra-ditional economy, new economy, physical infrastructure and social infrastructure. This classification is aimed at facilitating a better understanding of the vision articu-lated in the document.

MICRO LEVEL PLANNING & GOVERNANCE

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL VALUES

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE

LAND-BASED ECONOMY

SMALL SCALE & COTTAGE INDUSTRIES

TOURISM

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

HEALTH

WATER RESOURCES POWER & ENERGY

EDUCATION

SocialInfrastructure

TraditionalEconomy

NewEconomy

PhysicalInfrastructure

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LAND-BASED ECONOMY

Land-based economy includes agriculture and livestock husbandry and remains the back-bone of Ladakhi society and economy. However, its importance has reduced greatly in the last few years, with the advent of new employment opportunities. The restructuring of the economy has eroded the self-sufficiency of traditional Ladakhi society. There is therefore a need to sustain the land-based economy by making it more remunerative.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The IT sector is not dependent on local natural resources and presents a unique opportunity for growth and global excellence. In addition to its ability to generate plentiful employment opportunities for educated Ladakhi youth in years to come, the IT sector has also emerged as a strong enabler of critical development activities that are required in Ladakh today such as e-governance, connectivity, distance education, disaster preparedness and telemedicine. How-ever, this will require investment in appropriate infrastructure and skill training.

TOURISM

The tourism sector has emerged as one of the fastest growing components of the Ladakhi economy. It provides jobs to thousands of people today and is a steady source of income for local residents. However, Ladakhs tourism potential remains largely untapped and unregu-lated. Growth in this sector will require infrastructure development and training facilities for professional hospitality management.

SMALL SCALE & COTTAGE INDUSTRIES

This sector includes manufacturing industries as well as the handloom and handicrafts activ-ities. Given its traditional practices, this sector has vast untapped potential for employment generation and economic growth. This is further supported by the availability of resources such as apricots, pashmina wool and skilled craftsmen. It now requires entrepreneurial ef-forts to tap these advantages and realise their potential.

URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE

As the district headquarter, the infrastructure facilities in Leh are critically important. In recent years, the towns infrastructure has been under tremendous pressure due to a growing population driven by a tourism boom and rural-urban migration. There is now an urgent need to improve traffic and transportation facilities in Leh, while also developing recreation and other facilities. The main challenge remains modernization of the town, while also re-taining its traditional character.

RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Rural infrastructure is important as it sustains traditional, village-based economy and so-ciety. The main challenge of developing rural infrastructure is to discourage rural-urban migration by upgrading services like water, power and telecommunications.

Summarizing the vision document


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WATER RESOURCES

Water resources play a crucial role in the region as it is a semi-arid desert. Drinking and ir-rigation water facilities need to be improved significantly in Ladakh, given that the demand for water in the region is anticipated to increase in the future. Simultaneously, flood control work also needs to be carried out to prevent possible damage, while conserving water re-sources.

POWER & ENERGY

Power and energy are perhaps the most urgently required resources in Ladakh today. The scarcity of power and energy serves as an important constraint for development in the re-gion. Ladakh has no natural reservoir of fossil fuels and the distribution of power to remote areas remains a challenge. These can be addressed through the use of renewable energy and technologies and decentralised power generation and distribution systems. Furthermore, it is important to instil a culture of energy conservation amongst the local population.

HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT

Being a high altitude region, Ladakh is home to a host of diseases peculiar to the region that needs to be understood and managed appropriately. Also, in the context of limited physical connectivity through the year, it is imperative that all medical facilities are available in the region. Besides overhauling the health infrastructure, its also important to establish a special institution to study the health challenges in higher altitudes.

EDUCATION

For many decades, the education sector in Ladakh has suffered neglect. The situation has improved considerably through the active intervention of local communities, though many challenges still remain. Some important challenges include the economic viability and lack of relevance to local context and links with future occupations. There is this an urgent need to make education in Ladakh economically sustainable, locally relevant and linked with various occupations.

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Despite resource scarcity, Ladakh is rich in biodiversity. Unfortunately, Ladakhs precious natural heritage has been facing severe anthropogenic pressure in recent times. There is an urgent need to educate people, introduce appropriate legislation and promote the use of renewable energy.

SOCIAL & CULTURAL VALUES

Ladakhs traditional society, based on principles of sustainability and community-based co-operation, is on the decline today as are its rich cultural practices. There is an urgent need for Ladakh to preserve its traditional values, if it is to emerge as a society that ensures economic, social and environmental justice.

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MICRO LEVEL PLANNING & GOVERNANCE

The vision document underlines the need for a people-centred approach to development. This will require participatory institutions at various levels of decision-making and plan-ning. These include the LAHDC, panchayat, block development councils and an elected municipality (for Leh Town). Micro-level planning will then form the basis for planning, as illustrated by the experience of the planning and implementation process in 200506 and 2006-07.

PRINCIPAL EMERGENT THEMES

The vision document is loosely based on four sectionsthe traditional economy, the new economy, physical infrastructure and social infrastructure. The important feature of this classification is that the lower sections are broader and supportive of the other sections. Thus, social infrastructure can be conceptualized as a base for all other activities in Ladakhi society, followed by physical infrastructure and the land-based economy. Within the new economy, industry (being a more basic sector) is at the base, while IT is at the cutting edge of developmental change. The clear theme that emerges from this vision is one of economic prosperity that includes all developmental concerns and is supported by social networks and support systems.However, the importance of land-based economy is highlighted over the new economy, as they remain the bedrock of Ladakhi society. Thus, society must embrace the opportuni-ties of the new economy while also preserving the time-tested processes of the traditional or land-based economy. Further, development in Ladakh must be inclusive and based on dialogues that allow different perspectives to be respected and included in decision-making. These principles highlighted in the vision document provide the main context for planning and implementation of developmental activities in Ladakh. In this document, the vision document provides the broad structure to organize and evaluate the performance of the fourth hill council whose term was from 2011 to 2015.


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Overview of the fourth hill council, Leh

The fourth council of LAHDC, Leh

Sh. Rigzin Spalbar, Lower Leh: Chief Executive Councillor

Sh. Sonam Dorjey, Tingmosgang: Executive Councillor (Agriculture)

Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, Hunder: Executive Councillor (Health)

Sh. Gurmet Dorjey, Korzok: Executive Councillor (Animal/Sheep)

Sh. Ghulam Abbas Abidi, Chushot: Executive Councillor (CA&PD) (2011-2013)

Sh. Mohd. Shafi Lassu, Nominated: Executive Councillor (CA&PD) (2013-2015)

Sh Abdul Ali, Turtuk

Sh. Tsewang Rigzin, Diskit

Sh. Rigzin Wangdus, Kyagar

Sh. Tsering Angchuk, Panamik

Sh. Namgail Dorje, Tangtse

Sh. Namgail Phunchok, Chushul

Sh. Thupstan Wangchuk, Nyoma

Sh. Dorjay Motup, Kungyam

Sh. Gyal Phunchok Wangyal, Sakti

Sh. Tashi Nurboo, Igoo

Sh. Phunchok Wangchuk, Martselang

Sh. Tundup Spalzang, Thiksay

Gen. Lobzang Nyantak, Upper Leh

Sh. Tsering Sonam, Phyang

Sh. Tsering Norboo, Basgo

Sh. Rinchen Tundup, Saspol

Sh. Chetan Namgail, Khaltsi

Sh. Dawa Tsering, Skurbuchan

Sh. Tsering Angchuk, Lamayuru

Sh. Sonam Dorjey, Lingshed

Sh. Tsering Phuntsog, Skyu-Markha

Smt. Tsering Angmo, Nominated

Sh. Ghulam Sayeedin, Nominated

Smt. Tashi Angmo, Nominated

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The term of the fourth council of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh spanned from 2011 to 2015. While these years have been eventful, the fourth council was formed in the wake of the massive destruction caused by the flash floods in August 2010. While the third hill council oversaw the immediate relief and rehabilitation activities, the fourth hill council was responsible for long term recovery, rebuilding communities, reclaiming lost resources and developing a disaster management plan for the district. As substantiated by the reports of various departments, this recovery and rebuilding processespecially in terms of physical infrastructure, agricultural land and water channelswas largely completed within two years, despite the short working season (May to October) in Ladakh.

The chairman of the fourth hill council, Rigzin Spalbar has been a key figure in pro-viding administrative and political leadership to fulfil many long pending demands, infrastructural development, educational reforms, facilitating growth in the tourism sector and ensuring that the benefits of different programmes reach every section of the society. The fourth council has managed to get a number of projects sanctioned from the central and state government.

The chairman of the council has also taken personal interest in raising the educa-tional standards in the district and has retained the education portfolio. He has tak-en special efforts to work with the education department to fill vacancies, improve transparency in teacher transfers and hold extra classes where necessary. The impact of these efforts is reflected in a sustained improvement being reported in board exam (10th and 12th) results and higher student enrolment.


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The fourth hill council has been able to maximise the benefits from various government schemes to increase its resource allocation from 110 crores in 2010-11 to 315 crores in 2014-15.

In 2012, the fourth hill council pre-pared the Perspective Plan for 12th Five Year Plan for Leh district. This was formally unveiled by HH the Da-lai Lama in July 2012.

In 2012, the fourth hill council inau-gurated a girls hostel for students pursuing their post graduate degrees in Jammu.

In the winter of 2012, LAHDC, Leh ensured that the Alchi Hydel Power project was operational and supply-ing electricity to various parts of the district.

SOME NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE FOURTH HILL COUNCIL

In an effort to boost tourism, the fourth hill council developed a world-class Tourist Information Centre (TIC) to provide assistance to visitors. The TIC provides information, issues Pro-tected Area Permits to international tourists, an oxygen bar and facilities for health centre, mini-museum and

HH The Dalai Lama releasing LAHDC, Lehs Perspective Plan

The fourth hill council honoring Ladakh Scouts on their golden jubilee celebrations at Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra, Leh

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sale counters. It serves as a one-stop centre for tourists visiting Leh. The TIC was inaugurated by the Honble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on 12 July, 2015. The J&K government has decid-ed to replicate this model across the state.

The fourth hill council has established the Food Crafts Institute in Leh town to impart culinary skills to youth and preserve traditional Ladakhi cuisine.

The fourth council has initiated farm-ers cooperatives and supply chains for milk production and consumption.

The fourth council has distributed land to deserving individuals and in-stitutions, while also addressing many long-standing cases related to land ownership in Leh town and villages around it. Besides villagers, land has been allotted to set up educational (degree college in Diskit, Kashmir Uni-versity satellite campus) and develop-ment institutions (SKUAST, K centres) in different parts of the district.

As an IT initiative in the district, the fourth hill council launched a griev-

19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Shradanjali park


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ances portal on the LAHDC, Leh web-site (www.leh.nic.in) in January 2015.

As an IT initiative to boost tourism, the fourth hill council has developed an online system to register for a Protected Area Permit. This system allows tourists the convenience of applying for the permit from any lo-cation in the world, while also ensur-ing financial transparency. The sys-tem was inaugurated by the Honble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on 12 July, 2015.

The fourth hill council has enabled the setting up of the satellite campus of Kashmir University at Taru-thang.

The fourth hill council initiated the Ladakh International Film Festival in 2012 with hundreds of participants from Ladakh and around the world

In 2013, the fourth hill council cel-ebrated the golden jubilee of Ladakh Scouts at Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra, Leh and honoured several army offi-cials with citations and gifts.

Various dignitaries and students from Government Higher Secondary School, Diskit with the winners trophy for the Ladakh Grand Quiz contest 2014

Inauguration of Ladakh International Film Festival at Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra, Leh

Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah lay-ing the foundation stone for the satellite campus of Kashmir University at Taru

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The fourth hill council managed to reclaim 130 kanals of land from the Indian Army to construct the multi-purpose open stadium near Spithuk (Pethub) monastery.

The fourth hill council initiated efforts and followed up with the Border Roads Organisation to ensure that the nation-al highway from Skya-tsags to Sabu junction was widened to four lanes.

In 2013-14, the fourth hill council man-aged to get the necessary sanctions and started execution of the mega Leh Beautification Project worth 217.35 crores by Ministry of Urban Develop-ment, GOI under the Urban Infrastruc-ture Development Scheme for Small & Medium Towns (UIDSSMT), which is part of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

The fourth hill councils achievement includes sanctioning and imple-mentation of Rajiv Awaz Yojna Slum Project for the improvement of Leh old town with approved budget of 2,221.88 lakhs from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Allevia-

Multi-purpose indoor stadium under construction opposite the council secretariat

Snow leopard


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tion, Government of India. A total of 6 crores and 86 lakhs has already been released for the implementa-tion of the project.

The fourth hill council got 985.17 lakhs sanctioned for Slum Improve-ment Project under the scheme for Integrated Housing and Urban Devel-opment Program (IHSDP) by Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alle-viation, Government of India under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

The fourth hill council has focussed on upgrading and expanding the infra-structure in the district. This includes installation of street lighting, road widening, developed parking spaces in Leh town, development of gardens and stream lining of traffic movement.

The fourth hill council repaired the damage caused to the Sonam Norboo Memorial (SNM) hospital in the 2010 floods. They also expanded the hospi-tal by upgrading and completing the construction of new hospital build-ings, which are now functional and

New building of SNM hospital, Leh

The MoU being signed between LAHDC, Leh and KC Social Welfare Trust, Nawashahra

DANA HP petrol pump

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include new facilities like CT scanner and oxygen-filling plant. The council also started a program that takes doc-tors from SNM hospital to villages ev-ery month to conduct health checks.

In 2014, the fourth hill council ensured that the Indian Armys Shradhan-jali Park on airport road was officially christened as the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Shradhanjali Park.

The fourth hill council started a sys-tematic dog sterilization program to control the dog population in the dis-trict.

The fourth hill council started con-struction of an open stadium with a budget of 22 crores and an indoor stadium with a budget of 8 crores to give an impetus to sports in the dis-trict.

The fourth hill council has expanded the banking options available to the residents of the district by inviting and establishing private banks like HDFC, IDBI and Axis Bank in the district.

In 2014, the fourth hill council drafted and adopted the Ladakh Eco-tourism policy to regulate and manage tour-

ism in the district in a sustainable and equitable manner. This institutional-ized the long-term efforts of the hill council, which was earlier recognized by the Government of India when it awarded the hill council the Respon-sible Tourism Award in 2014.

In 2014, the fourth hill council formu-lated a plan to use the environmen-tal fees collected from tourists ( 217 lakhs) to preserve and manage the fragile environment of the region.

In 2014, the fourth hill council con-stituted the Snow Leopard Conserva-tion Trust to manage biodiversity rich areas and involve various rural com-munities of the district in the man-agement of natural resources. As part of these efforts, the fourth hill council started regulating snow leopard tour-ism and Chadder trek by limiting the number of tourists allowed and levy-ing a fee that would be used to man-age the environmental and social im-pact of tourism.

In 2014, the fourth hill council suc-cessfully contributed to hosting the 33rd Kalachakra Initiation by HH The Dalai Lama in Jive-tsal, Shey.

The indoor ice hockey rink under construction opposite the council secretariat


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The efforts of the hill council was rec-ognized by H.H. the Dalai Lama who addressed a special general council session held on July 17, 2014 at the Assembly Hall in the Council Secre-tariat.

The fourth hill council established the office complex of the Central Arid Zone Research Institute in Skara.

In 2014, the fourth hill council was allotted 10,800 sq ft of land (approx 2 kanals) adjoining adjacent Gurez House in Bemina by Srinagar Devel-opment Authority to construct Lada-kh House.

In 2015, the fourth hill council inau-gurated the Dana HP Petrol Pump in Leh to generate resources to support medical and educational require-ments of poor and deserving resi-dents of the district.

In 2015, LAHDC, Leh signed an MoU with Ladakh Winter Sports Club, Leh to promote ice hockey and ice skat-

ing and to complete the ice hockey rink opposite council secretariat by generating the required resources and providing technical expertise.

In 2015, LAHDC, Leh signed a Memo-randum of Understanding with KC Social Welfare Trust, Nawashahra (Punjab) to ensure that Ladakhi stu-dents are provided scholarships and facilities to pursue various profes-sional and specialized courses. In ad-dition, KC Welfare Trust will also assist LAHDC, Leh to build capacity and establish these courses in Leh. On 14 July, the first batch of 46 students left for their higher secondary education as part of this agreement.

In 2015, LAHDC, Leh signed a Memo-randum of Understanding with WAP-COS Limited (a Government of India undertaking) to develop and manage projects regarding water manage-ment, erosion control, agriculture, horticulture and tourism.

HH the Dalai Lama addressing a special session of the general council, LAHDC, Leh in July 2014

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The revenue department is responsible for maintaining land records, land reforms, settle-ment operations, preparation of records of rights and recovery of arrears in the district.

Revenue Department

Revenue table 1

Summary of land regularized and allotted by the fourth hill council

Sr. No. NameArea

kanal marla

20111 Community Hall, Nimooling, Leh 3 -2 Extension of Spituk Abadi Den at Agling 311 023 414 families of Command Area, Chuchot Gongma 4186 084 538 families of Command Area, Stok 6456 00

20125 Gonpa village, Leh 06 006 Gonpa Lonchen Bagdarskyab Chukchik Jal Tsogspa, Wanla 12 007 Sant Nirankari Mandal 10 008 Nuns Association, Leh 02 009 Allotment of Leh town 172 0210 Leh Modern School, Saboo-thang 35 0311 Community hall, Lower Mitsik Chulung 01 00`12 Nari Niketan at Saboo 10 0013 Photoksar Sarai 01 0014 Norboo Wangchuk, s/o Sonam Norboo, R/o Leh for cinema hall near Choglamsar 03 1115 Tashi Rabgais, s/o Phunchok Paljor, R/o Sakti 00 1016 851 families of Ibex colony 310 0817 Tashi Rigzin, s/o Tsering Angdus, R/o Shachukul 01 02

201318 Community hall, Skampari Yogma 16 0019 Construction of gonpa at Diskit-Tsal, Leh 11 0020 Buddhist Youth Center at Phey 47 1921 Flood affected from Spituk 13 0622 Sacred New Era School 06 0023 New Millenium School 36 1624 Skara Yokma School, Leh 02 1325 Traditional Archery Society Ldakh, Saboo Juk 04 1826 RESTI near K.V School, Choglamsar 06 0027 648 families of Command Area, Chuchot Yogma 7776 00

201428 Tsering Dorje, s/o Tashi Sonam, R/o Thiksey 00 1029 Anjuman Sofia Noorbakshia, Leh 00 1030 Lamdon Welfare Society to upgrade its School 115 0031 Tip Top Sports and Culture Welfare Society, Leh 00 0732 Community Hall of New Leh 01 0233 Imamia Masjid Sharif, Housing Colony 04 0434 Lalok Kunphan Tsogspa 02 0035 Parking at Jive-tsal, LBA 83 14

378 1036 Tashi Targaisling at Kharnakling 93 09

Total 20,121 14


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Revenue table 2

Year wise report of revenue collected

No Year Mutation FeeRevenue Ext. Fee

Demarca-tion Fee

STC/BAC Fee

Income certificate

Ground rent

Land premium

Total

1 2011 1,42,880 93,025 10,600 31,160 - 3,44,805 35,000 7,42,290

2 2012 2,89,350 85,300 13,400 37,620 76,400 18,412 10,000 5,30,482

3 2013 321910 72,345 19,550 34,180 1,43,580 32,035 11,98,250 18,21,850

4 2014 1,80,990 35,690 8,000 16,700 72,420 6,673 - 3,20,473

Total 34,15,095

Many land allotments have been made in favor of deserving individu-als/families, flood-affected families, war heroes, eminent sportspersons, awardees, charity, social and educa-tional purposes etc.

A total allotment of 819 kanals 7 marla was made in favor of Kashmir University to establish their satellite campus at Taru Thang.

A total allotment of 404 kanals was made to RRS CAZRI Jodhpur at Stakna SKUAST for its cold arid zone agriculture research station.

A total allotment of 4 kanals 16 mar-las was made to SSB at Agling Spituk for its Transit Centre.

A total allotment of 1,499 kanals was made to SKUAST to establish a KVKK center at Mudh, Nyoma.

A total allotment of 5 kanals 12 mar-las was made at Diskit Nubra to con-struct Munsif Court.

The regularization of land records for 721 and 556 families, which were made by the second hill council on 22 February, 2005 but not processed since have been taken up and are cur-rently being processed.

A total of 98 kanals 15 marlas has been identified and leveled to construct a New Bus station, Taxi stand etc.

A total of 58 kanals 1 marla has been

Other allotments:

Land distribution-Chushot yokma

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allotted to the Tourism department to construct a convention complex.

A total of 3 kanals 4 marlas has been al-lotted to BSNL to construct telecom-munication-related infrastructures at Agling Thang.

A total of 5 kanals has been allotted at Sabu Juk to the Metrological depart-ment to establish a weather station.

A total of 10 kanals 12 marlas of land has been handed to the medical de-partment from the old SSB complex.

A total of 80 kanals at Takskithang has been handed over to the Leh de-velopment authority to establish the Food Craft Institute.

A total of 901 kanal 12 marla has been allotted to the Tourism Dept. to develop a golf course at Shey Manla.

A total of 2 kanals 8 marlas has been allotted to the Information depart-ment to construct an Auditorium Hall at Diskit.

A total of 1 kanal 10 marlas at Chushul has been allotted to the Wildlife Protection department with a No Objection Certificate from the village panchayat to construct an in-spection facility.

A total of 15 kanals has been allot-ted at Shey Yokma Bagh to the village panchayat of Shey to construct their Panchayat building, ration store etc.

The approval and allotment of 10,046 kanals and 12 marlas has been made to construct an Air Base at Mudh Nyoma with no objection certificates from local villagers with the added condition that the base must benefit the village of Mudh.

A total of 16 marlas adjacent to the Christian cemetery has been made to the Church in place of road widening near the Church complex at Karzu.

A total of 188 kanal 8 marla has been allotted to the Tourism department to construct a Spiritual Destination

Land distribution


25

Centre at Gonpa Leh. Around 27 kanal 13 marla of private land has been transferred for this purpose. A total of 6 marlas has been made in fa-vor of Gonpa village at old KV com-plex in lieu of this land.

A total of 14 kanal 11 marla has been allotted to J&K Bank to develop a park at Bomgarh behind Deskittsal.

A total of 17 kanal of land has been al-lotted in favour of Cooperative Mar-keting Society, Leh, which includes construction of a cold storage facility.

A total of 6 kanal 14 marla at Tangtse has been allotted to the medical de-partment to extend its hospital

A total of 60 kanal at Chushot Sham-ma has been allotted to develop infra-structure/offices for the block head-quarters.

A total of 100 kanal at Diskit has been approved for allotment to the forest department for their field re-search station.

A total of 5 kanal 12 marla has been allotted for the construction of the SSP staff quarters at Leh.

A total of 85 kanal 11 marla has been allotted at Stakna to cultivate medici-nal plants for Men-tse-khang through the soil conservation department.

A roundabout was approved at Skyat-saks Petrol Pump to construct a Mar-tyrs Memorial Stupa, which was inau-gurated by HH Dalai Lama.

A total of 320 kanal 16 marla at Stak-na above Igoo-Phey canal has been allotted to the Indian Institute of In-tegrative Medicines.

A total of 4 kanals has been allotted for the construction of the Dana HP Petrol Pump at the end of Deskit-Tsal Leh.

A total of 6 kanal 2 marla has been allotted to the Peoples Action Group for Inclusion and Rights (PAGIR) at Sabu Juk.

A total of 3 kanal at Solar Colony Choglamsar has been allotted for the construction of their panchayat building.

A total of 3 kanal 4 marla at Chaktsal Gang to Deskit Tsal has been allotted for the construction of a monastery.

A total of 17 marla at Spituk has been allotted for the construction of a resi-dential house for monks of Druk Tar-gyun Tsogspa Tia

A total of 70 kanal at Sabu Pema has been allotted for the construction of a Judicial Complex

The regularization of residential land of 201 individuals at Tashi Gatsal, Choglamsar has been approved.

A total of 50 kanal at Spituk, next to the open stadium has been approved for a parking lot.

A total of 5 kanal 11 marla at Khaltse has been approved in favour of Prin-cipal Sessions Judge Leh to construct a Munsif Court Complex.

The fourth hill council vacated the CRPF from old SSB complex to en-able construction of shopping huts.

The fourth hill council allotted and handed over 477 kanal 18 marla un-der Khasara no. 4272, 3873 to ITBP in Thiksey.

A total of 2 kanals has been allotted to different individuals, including 2 marlas to Anjuman-i-Imamia and 1.10 kanal to Anjuman-Moin-ul-Islam in lieu of land acquired from them to widen the road through Leh market as part of the Leh beautifica-tion purpose.

26


This section includes agriculture and livestock husbandry sectors, which forms the basis of traditional Ladakhi society. In recent years, the significance of the land-based economy has reduced greatly in Ladakh. This is largely caused by the availability of alternative employment opportunities in Ladakh. While this does not pose a serious challenge, overt dependence on the outside world for critical requirements such as food is neither sustainable nor desirable. The departments under this section focus on strengthening land-based economic activities in Ladakh.

The main objective of the agriculture department is to increase productivity and production of various crops and adoption of new technologies by the farming community. In addition, they also promote cultivation of improved high-yielding seeds, integrated nutrient management, pest management, compost-making, or-ganic farming and the use of modern agricultural tools and machinery.

Agriculture Department

Land-based economy


27

The department has procured a soil-testing van, which will be operational from the 2015 cropping season.

The department has introduced new farm-related machineries to make farming easy, convenient and attrac-tive. It provides a multi-crop thresher powered by a diesel engine, crop reaper at 50% subsidy, power tiller at 33% subsidy and water lifting pump at 50% subsidy to a maximum of 10,000 farmers.

A hostel-cum-training centre has been constructed at Leh for farmers from remote parts of the district.

A Mushroom Spawn (seed) Produc-tion unit is under construction at the Vegetable Development Farm in Gu-puk near Leh to supply farmers in the district with mushroom seeds.

In 2011-12, the department initiated production of certified potato seeds by providing an initial supply of 904 quintals of seeds to registered grow-ers.

Around 1,900 quintals of high qual-ity certified seeds of pea (Arkal) were distributed to farmers to enable cul-tivation of fresh peas for personal consumption and for sale in Ladakh, Srinagar, Jammu and Delhi.

The production of cash crops in the district has increased almost 400% in the past few years, with increased area coverage in Leh town and sur-rounding villages. This has helped improve the socio-economic status of these farmers.

In the last five years, the department has provided financial support to con-struct 705 vegetable cellars to store surplus vegetables for the winter.

The department has built 782 trench-es and 19 commercial green houses to help grow offseason crops and raise vegetable seedlings early in the season.

The department has provided 255 units of chain link fencing to farmers in the district to establish kitchen gar-dens.

Since 2011, the department has sponsored 6,000 Kissan Credit Cards through various banks in the dis-trict. So far, the banks have disbursed 5,597 cases and released an amount of 52.65 crores.

Since 2011, the department has been organizing district-level exhibitions for vegetables and fruits. It has also organized 22 farmer camps in differ-ent blocks of the district. The depart-ment has also taken 60 farmers for an exposure tour to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, which included visits to the Indian Agricultural Re-search Institute and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kashmir.

In 2014-15, the department distribut-ed 402 quintals162 quintals more than its targetof bio-fertilizers/compost at a 50% subsidy. (see Agri-culture table 1)

LAND-BASED ECONOMY

Agriculture Table 1

Distribution of bio-fertilizer/compost on 50% subsidy

Year Target Achievement

2010-11 160 quintals 160 quintals





ACHIEVEMENTS

28


LAND-BASED ECONOMY

Agriculture Table 3

Business turnover of vegetable cooperative marketing societies in Leh district

Name of Cooperative Society 2010-11 2011-12 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-15

M/S Leh 15,571,615 15,265,640 1,634,4947 23,112,091 25,309,518

M/S Nubra 5,283,436 4,901,636 5,569,000 5,265,376 5,304,000

M/S Chorbat 3,330,576 2,872,774 2,406,900 2,628,250 2,686,735

M/S Sham Fruit 6,901,489 3,642,351 8,680,203 9,191,852 10,014,082

M/S Kharu 6,577,561 6,889,350 9,394,887 5,984,854 9,970,097

Total 37,664,677 3,357,175 42,395,937 46182423 53,284,432

Seeds Quantity Beneficiaries

2010-11

Pea Arkil 348.80 qtls 2,325

Vegetable seeds 15.93 10,620

Vegetable hybrid seeds 2.30 767

2011-12

Pea Arkil 319.60 2,130

Vegetable seeds 17.35 11,193

Hybrid seeds 3.67 800

Potato foundation seeds 268 400

Potato certified seeds - -

2012-13

Pea Arkil 320 qtls 2,133

Vegetable seeds 21.20 qtls 12,470

Hybrid seeds 3.90 qtls 1,698

Potato foundation seeds 150 qtls 200

Potato certified seeds 600 qtls 1,200

2013-14



Hybrid seeds 2.25 qtls 1,018


Potato certified seeds 400 qtls 800

2014-15



Hybrid seeds 2.70 qtls. 500


Potato certified seeds - -

Machinery Quantity Beneficiaries

2011-12

Diesel Hall (Angad) 77 77

Brush cutter 68 68

Water lifting pump 10 10Multi crop thresher (diesel engine) 22 22

2012-13

Grass cutter 116 116

Diesel Hall 87 87

Brush cutter 69 692014-15

Thresher (diesel engine) 12 12

Agriculture Table 2

Support provided to beneficiaries by the department


29

LAND-BASED ECONOMY

The horticulture department plays a central role in supplementing farmers in-come by providing support for fruit and plant production.

Horticulture Department

Under the Special Task Force, fruit and vegetable processing/training units have been established in two phases. In the first phase, a fruit and vegeta-ble processing/training unit was es-tablished at Nimoo at an estimated cost of 1 crore and in the second phase, single units were established in Khaltsi and Disket (Nubra).

The department has established 266 orchards at a 50% subsidy at a maxi-mum of 20,000 per beneficiary and minimum orchard size of two kanals. In addition, 42 orchards have been established through a 50% subsidy for fruit plantation/fencing at a maxi-mum of 10,000 per beneficiary and a minimum orchard size of one kanal.

Osmotic dehydration of apricot was introduced in 2003 to allow growers to dry apricots hygienically and sell them for prices ranging from 200 to 350 per kilogram.

The department distributed 787 os-motic units with preservatives and 3,839 plastic crates under the Post Harvest Management scheme at a cost of 46.52 lakhs.

Around 250 farmers were trained about relevant latest technologies as part of the ongoing scheme to edu-cate farmers.

Since 2011, 920 green houses have been established for vegetable, fruit and strawberry cultivation.

Under the replacement scheme, 2,440 UV stabilized films were distrib-uted for existing green houses at 50% subsidy at a cost of 31 lakhs.

Under the National Mission on Me-dicinal Plants, four sheds were es-tablished in the private sector, pri-oritizing local amchis, to dry, sort and grade medicinal herbs.

ACHIEVEMENTS

30


The animal husbandry department was established as a separate unit in 1979-80 and is responsible for livestockwith the exception of sheep and goatdevelop-ment in the district. This department plays a key role in the district, where animal husbandry is an important livelihood strategy.

Animal Husbandry Department

In 2013, a new veterinary hospital complex was established at Skara, Leh. The hospital has all necessary fa-cilities including x-ray machine, ultra-sound, chemical analyser, blood anal-yser, milk-testing and dung-testing. It also has a 24-hour mobile clinic. Please see Animal husbandry table 1 for the number of cases handled by the department.

The department has introduced schemes to market milk including the use of milk vending machines The machine installed at Changspa sells an average of 38 liters each day to approximately 50 people. Two man-ually-operated vending machines installed at Changspa supply an aver-age of 15 liters each day. The depart-

ment is also operating two mobile automatic vending machines in Nu-bra and Leh.

In 2013-14, the department initiated the formation of milk societies in the Sham region. It currently operates a milk van and maintains a bulk milk cooler in Saspol, which are part of a supply chain to supply milk across the district. Three bulk milk coolers have been purchased under the Spe-cial Task Force and two have already been installed in Nubra and Chushot.

The department introduced an Ar-tificial Insemination (AI) program in 2013-14 in Leh district under the guidelines of Livestock Development Board, Srinagar to produce high milk

ACHIEVEMENTS

LAND-BASED ECONOMY


31

LAND-BASED ECONOMY

yield and disease-resistant progenies. A total of 33 animal husbandry cen-ters have been upgraded to include AI facilities.

In 2014, the department set up a liq-uid nitrogen plant to produce liquid nitrogen in Leh, which was earlier be-ing sourced from Srinagar. Liquid ni-trogen is used to store semen straws necessary for AI. Currently, the plant produces 21 liters of liquid nitrogen per hour, which is supplied to animal husbandry centers across the district and also to Kargil and Srinagar when required.

A semen processing laboratory is cur-rently being set up to make semen straws of pashmina goats, yak and horses for use in the breed improve-ment scheme.

The department inaugurated a milk pasteurization plant at Agling in 2013-14 as part of LaMUL (Ladakh Milk Union Limited), which will col-lect and market milk and ensure that benefits reach farmers directly. LaM-UL will be equipped to make curd, panner (cottage cheese), yak cheese (European type) and supply milk.

A new poultry hatchery has been es-tablished with a capacity of 13,500 eggs (incubator) and 9,000 eggs (set-ter). Currently, the farms at Changspa and Khaltse procure table eggs from Srinagar for distribution across the district.

The department has subsidized 484 units under the rural backyard poul-try development program and 615 units under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) in 2013-14.

A record 25,000 vaccinations have been administered for foot and mouth disease in the district.

The department has also established demonstration units for 60 benefi-ciaries, established single cow units

under National Mission for Protein Supplements and Rashtriya Kisan Vi-kas Yojana for 28 beneficiaries with a 25% subsidy.

Three progressive farmers were nom-inated for participation in the state-level seminar/workshop at Shere-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre, Srinagar in October, 2013, where Skalzang Tundup was award-ed as the best farmer from Ladakh.

Jersey cows were introduced in Leh district by purchasing cross breed jer-seys from Himachal and Kargil under district plan/BADP/TSP.

In view of the increasing conflict be-tween stray dogs and humans, the department has initiated a steril-ization program to control the dog population in the district (see animal husbandry table 2 and table 3).

Several national-level schemes such as the Border Area Development Program, Special Central Assistance, Tribal Sub Plan and Rashtriya Kisan Vikas Yojana have been implemented by the department.

CEC Rigzin Spalbar inaugurating the milk vending machines.

32


Animal husbandry table 3

Sterilizations carried out by partner NGOs (Ladakh Anti-Rabies Dog Management/Ladakh Animal Care Society, Ayu Saboo)

Period Sterilizations

June 2013 226

July 2013 355

August 2013 344

September 2013 239

Total 1,164

LAND-BASED ECONOMY


Sterilizations carried out by the department (2012-2015) at the district veterinary hospital

Period Sterilizations Area

06/05/2013 to 30/08/2013 078 Leh town

06/03/2014 to 20/08/2014 140 Leh town

07/08/2014 to 15/08/2014 094 Disket (Nubra)

11/09/2014 to 31/12/2014 230 Leh town

01/02/2015 to 16/02/2015 139 Shey-Thiksey

27/02/2015 to 28/04/2015 084 Leh town

March 2012 to March 2015 050 pets


Cases handled at the District Veterinary Hospital, Leh

Year Number of cases Location

2011-12 2,249District veterinary hospital (pologround)

2012-13 2,348

2013-14 2,507District Veterinary Hospital, Skara

2014-15 5,262


33

In 2014-15, Leh district was home to an estimated 350,000 sheep and goat, a large part of which were present in Changthang. The department is responsible for providing information, technology and support to herders to ensure livelihood stability and ensure a steady source of high quality pashmina fiber, wool and small ruminant meat.

Sheep Husbandry Department

Under the Nutrient Supplement Pro-gram, free supplementary feed for sheep and goat worth 64.63 lakhs was distributed to livestock breeders in Changthang, Digar and Tangyar villages during the winter. A total of 2,034 nomadic families were covered under this program.

Under the Special Task Force Program (STFP), seven winter reserve pas-tures in Changthang, namely Samad, Chushul, Tegajung, Hanle, Chumur, Kargyam and Kharnak were devel-oped at an estimated cost of 81.54 lakhs. These covered an area of 3,000 kanals. Once the reserve pastures are integrated with the watershed proj-ects, it is expected to benefit 500 no-madic families and 70,000 livestock.

Under STFP, around 100 tsabkaks (fences) were constructed to benefit 100 families and 5,400 livestock. In addition, small land holdings/fields were fenced to protect them from Tibetan Wild Ass and unregulated grazing. These efforts are expected to provide nutritional security during winter. In addition to the fencing, the department is also supplying alfalfa seeds to families in Changthang.

In order to meet the fodder require-ments and to promote fodder crops in Changthang, a model fodder de-velopment station with irrigation channels has been established in Ni-dder village under STFP.

Around 525 nomadic families ben-efited with the hiring of 24 pasture

ACHIEVEMENTS

LAND-BASED ECONOMY

Pashmina dehairing plant, Leh

34


guards under STFP, to monitor graz-ing by wild animals and use of winter pastures in the summer.

Currently, the department has an an-nual fodder capacity of 6,000 quin-tals, which makes it the single largest fodder production entity in Ladakh. This has been achieved through the use of intensive fodder production techniques at the farms operated by the department. The surplus fodder is routed through feed/fodder banks to promote nutritional security of small ruminants in Changthang and to serve as a source of revenue for the department.

A total of 7,666 Breeder Registration Cards have been issued to sheep and goat breeders in the district. From 2015, all developmental and support initiatives of the department have been channeled through this system.

In an effort to address water scarcity and reduce grazing pressures, five bore well pumps have been installed at different locations in Changthang to benefit an estimated 300 nomadic families.

A total of 21 breeder camps have been conducted since 2011 to update pastoralists about modern methods of breeding, feeding, management and livestock production.

Since 2011, veterinary services have been expanded by training 179 youth in simple medicine, breeding and livestock management and were sub-sequently hired as paramedics by the department.

The rarays system has been re-estab-lished with 72 herders being hired since 2011 to address the shortage of manpower in rearing livestock.

A total of 1,174 high quality rams/bil-ly goats were purchased from private breeders and departmental farms and distributed amongst livestock breeders since 2011 to improve the quality of goats and increase pashm production.

The department has constructed vats in different locations to dip sheep and goat for ecto-paracidal treatment.

Since 2011, 73 mini-farms have been established to supplement the pash-

LAND-BASED ECONOMY


35

LAND-BASED ECONOMY

mina goat holdings of the breeder and augment household income.

A total of 1,230 lambing sheds have been distributed to herders.

Since 2011, 147 sheep/goat units have been established for small farm-ers.

Between 2012 and 2015, 785 sheep pens have been constructed in Dur-buk and Nyoma blocks to reduce en-vironmental stress and disease risks in the winter.

Improvised tents, solar torches and gumboots were given to 350 nomad-ic families in 2013-14.

The department has supplied 2,023 er-gonomically-designed pashm combs to breeders free-of-cost. This proto-type comb has been developed by the department through field tests and user feedback.

In 2014, a new project called Pash-mina Promotion Program (P-3) was sanctioned by the Ministry of Textile with a budget of 25.42 crores. The program aims to increase pashmi-na production and general wealth through value addition in Ladakh.

This program includes:1. 156 lakhs has been sanctioned to

establish a fiber-testing centre.

2. 50 lakhs has been sanctioned to create a disease surveillance centre.

3. 37 lakhs has been sanctioned to create a Geographical Information System laboratory.

4. Provide support to build animal shel-ters with a guard room for Changpa nomads of Changthang. Currently, 100 families in Korzok, Samad, An-kung and Kharnak have started con-struction of passive-solar shelters with a subsidy provision of 2 lakhs each, which has been transferred di-rectly to their bank accounts.

5. 41 lakhs has been sanctioned to create a facility to spin pashmina with the help of portable electric units.

6. 98 lakhs has been sanctioned to con-struct solarized community centers.

7. 25 lakhs has been sanctioned to construct open fodder enclosures.

8. 1,935 crores has been sanctioned to construct and develop a pashmina dehairing plant.

Distribution of boots, tents, torch, etc.

36


This section includes sectors like information technology, tourism and small and cottage industries, which have developed in the last few de-cades. In recent years, these sectors have grown significantly and pro-vide viable employment opportunities in Ladakh. While this does not pose a serious challenge, overt dependence on the outside world for critical re-quirements such as food is neither sustainable nor desirable. The depart-ments under this section focus on strengthening land-based economic activities in Ladakh.

Several innovative projects and initiatives have been taken up by the fourth hill council to improve processes, operations and service delivery in the district through the use of information technology. Inventive e-governance projects have been initi-ated across wide-ranging sectors across the district. The National Informatics Center (NIC), Leh is responsible for developing and providing technical support for these initiatives. The NIC has installed optical fibers (34 mbps) and two VSAT satellites (512 kbps) to ensure seamless and uninterrupted connectivity for the implementa-tion of these projects.

New Economy

Information Technology

A 10 Kw solar plant has been installed in the IT enclave building at NIC of-fice, Leh to ensure uninterrupted power supply and internet connec-tivity to all the government offices. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has approved a proposal to install 6 similar 10 Kw solar plants across the district through LREDA, LAHDC, Leh.

In the Lok Sabha election 2014 and J&K assembly election 2014, the dis-trict administration used GENSYS software to randomize deployment of polling staff and Electronic Voting Machines and to monitor the polling process. An online platform was also developed and maintained by NIC, Leh to disseminate relevant election-related information to the public.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The General Provident Fund account of all government employees in the district was successfully computer-ized in 2013-14 by NIC, Leh. These ac-counts can now be viewed at http://jkfunds.nic.in

NIC, Leh has computerized the pro-cess for registering vehicles and li-censes in the district.

NIC, Leh has developed an internet portal (www.leh.nic.in) for LAHDC, Leh and the district administration. It provides a diversity of information related to the district including infor-mation for tourists, employment op-portunities, government orders etc.

An online system has been developed to redress the grievances of the com-mon public in the district. This sys-


37

tem, which ensures transparency and efficiency, was developed by National Institute of Electronics and Informa-tion Technology (NIELIT), Leh and is expected to improve accountability and enhance service delivery mecha-nisms in the district.

An online system to issue Protected Area Permits (PAP) to international tourists has been initiated through the efforts of the DC, Leh, Saugat Biswas. The new system has been de-veloped by NIELIT and is accessible on the internet (www.lahdclehper-mit.in). The user-friendly interface is transparent, easy-to-use and acces-sible from across the world. It also uses enhanced security features such as unique security holograms, special stamps and advanced tracking mech-anisms.

NIC, Leh developed the District Li-brary Management System in col-laboration with NIELIT to provide ICT and automation support to District Library, Leh along with e-cataloguing of its volumes.

An Integrated Disease Surveillance Project has been initiated by fourth hill council. The system, developed by NIC, Leh, generates weekly reports

NEW ECONOMY

Sh. Madhav Lal, IAS Chief Secretary, Government of Jammu and Kashmir inaugurated the new NIC District Centre on the 19th of November 2011

Applicants photo being captured for driving license

Officials posting the GPF Schedule

Training session at CIC centre, Kharu

38


NEW ECONOMY

on diseases to monitor and check the spread of diseases in the district. Dur-ing periods of crisis, such as the Phuk-tal floods in May 2015, these reports are generated on a daily basis to en-sure effective disaster management.

NIC, Leh conducts regular e-literacy training programs for government employees across the district through Block Information Offices. Between 2011-12 and 2014-15, 300 officers and 5 councilors have received e-lit-eracy training.

NIC, Leh has developed and imple-mented a Common Integrated Police Application (CIPA) in the district to help the police register case details efficiently and seamlessly.

In an effort to ease various processes in the court, an e-Court room is cur-rently being developed by NIC, Leh. The development process is in its fi-nal stages and expected to be imple-mented in the near future.

The electoral rolls for the district have been computerized and being updat-ed on a regular basis.

In 2013, various services and pro-cesses of the Municipal Committee, Leh were computerized, including an online system to issue birth and death certificates and grant building permissions.

The functions of the District Treasury Office, Leh were computerized in 2014 and a dedicated 2 mbps leased line has been installed for different operations like receipts, payments, stamps and pensions.

Large-size LED display screens have been installed in the LAHDC, Leh secretariat, conference hall and the DC Office to facilitate meetings and video conferences.

Tser

ing

Stob

dan

Wal

pa


39

Tourism has emerged as one of the dominant segments of the current Ladakhi economy. It provides jobs to thousands of people and one of the biggest sources of income for locals after the government sector. However, this sector also faces many challenges. One important challenge is that of infrastructure for tourism, which needs to be developed. In this regard, new roads, appropriate facilities and a train-ing facility need to be developed in Ladakh. A second important challenge is that of regulation of tourism to minimise its negative impacts and redistribution of benefits to address the unequal distribution of benefits. The two departments in this section are the Leh Development Authority (LDA) and Tourism Department. They are primarily responsible for promoting, managing and developing tourism in the district.

The Leh Development Authority (LDA), Leh was created in 2005-06 and is responsible for creating tourism infrastructure and developing existing tourist destinations to attract more tourists to improve the economic condition of the residents of the district.

Tourism

Leh Development Authority

LDA, Leh established a Food Craft In-stitute at Taksithang in Leh equipped with laboratory and kitchen. Its a pio-neering institute in Ladakh meant to train local youth in tourism-related activities with a focus on promoting different culinary arts, especially local Ladakhi cuisine.

In 2014, LDA, Leh constructed the ru-ral art and craft-cum-museum centre at Kyagar-Sumoor in Nubra.

In 2014, LDA, Leh constructed an open air theatre with parking facility near Lamayuru monastery.

LDA, Leh constructed budget ac-commodation near the Imambara at Chushot Yokma, Charasa-Nubra, Dha-Beema, Maan-merak at Pangong lake and near Chemrey Gonpa.

Several projects related to tourism sites and places of religious impor-tance have been completed in the last 5 years (see LDA table 1 for details of the larger projects).

ACHIEVEMENTS

Through the efforts of DC, Leh, Sau-gat Biswas, a world-class and fully digitalized Tourist Information Centre (TIC) was set up by LDA in 2015. The TIC offers a single-window service for providing information about places and services of interest to tourists and also for various activities like is-suing Protected Area Permit to for-eign nationals.

J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed writing in the visitors book after inaugurating the Tourist Information Centre TIC on June 12, 2015

NEW ECONOMY

40


LDA table 1

Tourist infrastructure across Leh district (with a budget exceeding 100 lakhs)

No. Project Budget (in lakhs) Status in 2014-15

1. Construction of Food Craft Institute on a land of 24 kanals 483.48 100% completed

2. Laboratory and kitchen equipments for FCI, Leh 100.00 100% completed

3. Construction of open air theatre with parking facilities etc. 107.54 100% completed

4. Construction of budgeted accommodation, PC and pathway near Chemrey Gonpa

84.57At the completion stage

5. Construction of budget accommodation near Imambara at Chushot Yokma 139.00 At the completion stage

6. Construction of budget accommodation at Maan-Merak (Pangong tso) 145.45 Work in progress

7. Construction of budget accommodation at Charasa, Nubra 145.45 At the completion stage

8. Construction of budget accommodation at Dha-Biama 145.45 Completed up to roof level

9. Construction of Sindhu Ghat pavilion and access road 113.73 70% completed

10. Fencing around Golf Course at Shey 200.00 80% completed

11. Construction of Interpretation center, tourist reception center, public convenience and multipurpose hall near Hemis Gonpa


12. Construction of Interpretation center -cum-multipurpose hall near Tangtse Gonpa


13. Construction of Brogpa cultural interpretation centre at Biama 89.20 100% completed

14. Construction of public convenience and tourist information hall, parking etc., near Rizong Gonpa

89.56100% completed

15. Construction of Art and Craft-cum-Museum at Kyagar, Nubra 68.93 100% completed

16. Construction of Meditation Hall, stage and internal path at Jivi-tsal, Choglamsar

184.94100% completed

Food Craft Institute

NEW ECONOMY


41

NEW ECONOMY

The Tourism department is responsible for promoting and developing Leh as a tour-ist destination.

Tourism Department

The number of tourists visiting Lada-kh has increased steadily over the last few years. A record 181,301 tourists visited the district in 2014 of which 59,305 were international visitorsthe highest in the history of tourism of the district. (Please see Tourism table 1 for details).

In 2014, a total of 193 hotels and 421 guest houses were registered in Leh town and surrounding areas. This amounts to a total bed capacity of 15,000 catering to various segments and kinds of tourists.

A total of 450 travel agencies are registered with the department and there are around 4,000 tourist ve-hicles in the district. Tourism thus provides livelihood and employment opportunities for a large number of people in the district.

The department organizes several fairs and festivals to promote tourism, including the Singge Khabab (Sindhu Festival) in June and Ladakh Festival in September. These festivals show-case Lehs rich culture and potential for adventure.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The department is developing tour-ist-related infrastructure like Leh Golf Course in Shey, a convention com-plex, a trans-Himalayan cultural cen-tre and rest houses. These projects are in various stages of completion.

The department has already devel-oped gardens and childrens parks in Skara, Balkhang and Murtse colony.

The Tourism department, along with the Wildlife Protection Department, drafted the Ladakh Eco-tourism Pol-icy that was adopted by the General Council of the fourth hill council in December 2014. This provides a policy framework to regulate the negative impacts of tourism and address the unequal distribution of its benefits.

Tourism table 1

Tourist arrivals in Leh (2010 to 2014)

Period International arrivals

Domestic arrivals

Total

2010 22,115 55,685 77,800

2011 36,662 142,829 179,491

2012 38,510 140,460 178,970

2013 31,143 106,559 137,702

2014 59,305 121,996 181,301

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah laying the foundation stone for the Leh Golf Course

J&K Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora laying the foundation stone for the Ladakh Convention Centre

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This sector includes manufacturing industries in Ladakh as well as handloom and handicraft-related activities carried out in the region. This sector has vast untapped potential that can provide opportunities for employment generation and commer-cial exploitation. The availability of resources such as apricots, seabuckthorn, pash-mina, wool and highly-skilled craftsmen add to the advantages that Ladakh enjoys in this sector.

Small and Cottage Industries

Since 1995, the employment depart-ment has been responsible for facili-tating employment opportunities by providing self-employment loans and recruitment candidates to government district-cadre positions under the LA-HDC-Service Selection Recruitment Board (SSRB), Leh.

Employment Department (District Employment and Counseling Centre)

The department has adopted a fast-track recruitment system for vari-ous posts of the LAHDC-SSRB in Leh through which 744 recruitments have been made since 2011.

The District Employment and Coun-seling Centre, Leh (DECC, L) was es-tablished in 2012.

The DECC, L now serves as the dis-trict-level facilitator for various em-ployment schemes and policies of the government. It has been providing career counseling for unemployed youth and has so far counseled 3,534 students from secondary schools and the Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Leh.

The DECC, L has also implemented the Jammu and Kashmir Self Employ-

ACHIEVEMENTS

ment Scheme (JKSES) with 368 appli-cants between 2010-11 an 2014-15. In 2014-15, it sponsored 97 individu-als under JKSES scheme through vari-ous banks, with 66 individuals receiv-ing subsidized bank loans.

The DECC, L has maintained a de-tailed record (live register) of youth seeking employment in all sectors and levels of government and private sector. Total registration of unem-ployed youth between 2010-11 and 2014-15 is 21,854.

The DECC, L has implemented the Voluntary Service Allowance (VSA) under the Sher-e-Kashmir Employ-ment Welfare Policy for Youth in 2010 and at present 20 applicants are re-ceiving monthly stipend for amounts ranging from 600 to 1,050.

NEW ECONOMY


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NEW ECONOMY

The District Industries Centre, Leh (DIC, Leh) has been established with the objec-tive of promoting entrepreneurship in the district under Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Act, 2006. Through its activities, the DIC, Leh seeks to promote in-dustrial growth and skill development to boost employment and provide financial support to young entrepreneurs.

District Industries Centre

The District Industries Centre, Leh has generated 248 jobs between 2011-12 and 2014-15 through formal registration under entrepreneurs memorandum-II (See DIC, Leh table 1).

ACHIEVEMENTS

The department promotes industrial development and currently operates three industrial estates in Leh, Phyang and Khaltsi, with one being developed in Nubra.

DIC, Leh table 1

Employment generated through support for entrepreneurial endeavours

No. Period Employment generated

1. 2011-12 27

2. 2012-13 100

3. 2013-14 28

4. 2014-15 83 to date

Industrial Estate, Leh

Year 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Plot allotted 121 Nil Nil Nil

Industrial Estate, Phyang

Year 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Plot allotted 19 30 16 12

Industrial Estate, Khaltsi

Year 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Plot allotted 15 Nil Nil Nil

A total of 23 cases have been sanctioned under the Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) between 2010-11 and 2014-15.

The department operates two mobile Knitting Training Centres to train unem-ployed women in different parts of the district. A total of 155 trainees have been trained through this system since 2011.

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Handicraft department imparts elementary and advanced training in embroidery, clay-molding, knitting, Ladakhi garment-making, namda-making, silver filigree, stone-carving and pottery. These courses vary from one year to two years with 500 being paid as stipend to participants in elementary training courses and 700 being paid as stipend to participants in the advance training centre courses.

Handicraft Department

The department provides grant-in-aid to industrial co-operative societies (self help groups) to increase produc-tion and to buy equipment and raw materials.

The department organizes local-level marketing workshops, training work-shops and awareness camps. It also provides subsidized loans for artisans

ACHIEVEMENTS

and unit holders, co-operative societ-ies and self help groups.

The department has established a store in Leh where raw material is sold at prices fixed by the District Pur-chase Committee, Leh.

The department organizes a crafts ba-zaar and exhibition during major events like Ladakh Festival to provide a plat-form for direct marketing by artisans.

The department completed con-struction of the artisans office com-plex which was inaugurated on July 20, 2013 by the CEC, LAHDC. The rent for units has been fixed at 1,500 per month for first floor shops and 1,700 for ground floor shops for the period of three years to sell various products.

NEW ECONOMY


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NEW ECONOMY

The handloom development department imparts skill trainings in pashmina spin-ning and weaving, cutting-cum-tailoring, dyeing, thikma printing, pattoo weaving and machine knitting to an average of 300 candidates each year. These trainees are then provided incentives to start their independent small-scale units. The depart-ment also organizes exhibitions and awareness camps on various schemes to pro-mote handloom skills and products.

Handloom Development Department

A total of 1,224 candidates have been trained during the 11th five year plan.

The department also organized ad-vanced training workshops and awareness programs for 100 partici-pants in 2011-12, 200 participants in 2012-13, 200 participants in 2013-14 and 100 participants in 2014-15.

The department has established 60 elementary training centers and 248 advanced training centers, which have so far trained 2,249 trainees in skills related to handlooms.

A total of 1,206 former trainees and artisans have benefitted from the distribution of improved and subsi-dized handloom machinery to set up income generating units.

Since 2011, 650 ex-trainees have been engaged on a part-time basis to process pashmina, including spin-ning, twisting and weaving.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The estimated value of products made by trainees between 2011 and 2015 is 54.7 lakhs, of which 38.31 lakhs of revenue has been realized in the period.

The total sales revenue estimated from products made by trainees in the 12th five year plan is estimated at 40 lakhs.

In 2015, the department has intro-duced several new schemes under the 12th five year plan to enhance efficiency and productivity. This in-cludes Integrated Handloom Devel-opment Schemes (IHDS), Publicity and Marketing, Design Development and Product Diversification (DDPD) using Computer-Aided Textile Design (CATD), Handloom Industrial Coop-erative Society, Housing-cum-work-shed for handloom cooperative so-cieties and construction of a district level exhibition space.

Zohra Chatterjee, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India inaugurating the handloom exhibition in June 2014

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NEW ECONOMY

The fisheries department is responsible for developing fish farms, hatcheries, rear-ing units and related infrastructure and spreading awareness about fisheries in the district. It is responsible for providing employment opportunities to educated un-employed youth in the district through the introduction of fish culture and the implementation of various state and central government schemes.

Fisheries Department

The department started construction of a fish farm in Kaya Hunder in 2011-12 which is 90% complete in 2014-15.

The department has completed construction of a fish farm in Diskit and is cur-rently developing the land of the farm.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Support to private fish farmers

Period Fish seedPond construction

Construction of low cost houseDistrict plan RKVY scheme State plan

2010-11 20,000 3 7 2 -

2011-12 34,000 2 1 3 -

2012-13 24,000 2 1 1 -

2013-14 12,000 2 - 2 5

2014-15 - 1 - - -

Fish farm Shey Fish pond Diskit Nubra


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The labour department in Leh was established in 1971-72 to enforce labour laws, especially those related to wages, facilities, compensation and child labour.

Labour Department

The total revenue earned from shops and establishment, contract labour, motor transport, building and other construction has increased over the last 5 years. It was 17.389 lakhs in 2010-11, 17.439 lakhs in 2011-12, 20.806 lakhs in 2012-13, 25.006 lakhs in 2013-14 and stood at 31.018 lakhs on 31 March 2015.

Under the Shops and Establishment Act, a total of 9,033 shops and 6,609 employees were registered till end-ing March, 2015. During the year 2014-15, a total of 1,418 registrations for shops and establishments were renewed and 1,645 inspections were conducted.

During 2014-15 (end March), a to-tal fine of 121,200 was imposed of which 22,650 was under the Shops and Establishments Act and 98,550 was under the Payment of Wages Act.

Under the Motor Transport Workers Act, 10 agencies were registered till ending March, 2015.

Under the Building and Other Con-struction Workers Act, 7,183 workers including 401 in 2014-15. In addition, 57 contractors were registered and 25 inspections were conducted dur-ing the year 2014-15.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Under Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, 81 contract licences were issued.

Under Workmens Compensation Act, a total of 10.001 lakhs were paid as wages in 2014-15.

As of 31 March, 2015, a total of 19,60,793 was paid to the next-of-kin of 6 individuals suffering from illnesses under the Employees Com-pensation Act, 1923. In addition, 10,56,760 was paid directly to the next-of-kin of a person from 102-In-fantry Brigade who had suffered from an illness.

As of 31 March, 2015, financial as-sistance was provided to beneficia-ries under the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996, 1,25,90,200 was paid to 2,092 ben-eficiaries in the form of Educational Assistance, while 23,50,000 was paid to 94 beneficiaries as marriage assistance, 5,000 was paid as injury assistance and 1,00,000 was paid to the next-of-kin of one beneficiary as death assistance.

NEW ECONOMY

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This section includes sectors that manage, develop and harness the physical resources of the district. They provide cross-cutting support for development in the district in terms of infrastructure like roads and build-ings as well as systems to manage water resources, electricity distribu-tion and renewable resources. There are several different departments in this section including Public Works Department, Rural Development Department, Command Area Development, Power Development Depart-ment and Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Agency. It also in-cludes departments like Parks and Garden Department that develop cru-cial leisure space in urban and peri-urban areas of the district.

The public works department is responsible for

lahdc achievements

Documents

hill council

revenue department

horticulture department

tourism department

employment department

handicraft department

fisheries department

labour department