Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 4: After many years of struggle for the identity, it was on August 5 when a historical bill was passed and the people of Ladakh were presented with their own identity in the name of Union territory of Ladakh. Earlier Ladakh was consumed in a majority State without even being named sometimes as a part of the State , there was disparity and abandonment. With the decision of parting ladakh from the two dominating State, a sense of satisfaction and security of identity was welcomed by the people of Ladakh.
Its was after the implementation of UT, that the people of ladakh observed noticeable changes and effective work of the administration. The tireless efforts with effects of the new administration was commendable. In no time the administration of UT took over the Ladakh and worked hard for its development, officials said.
After the notification for the constitution of the UT of Ladakh on 5th august 2019, the UT came into being on 31st Oct 2019. Immediately after which, the LG office and new secretariat were set up. The existing treasury system was replaced by Public Financial Management System (PFMS) which was adopted with effect from 1st April 2020. For further development of infrastructure MoU was signed with NITI Aayog. During 2019-20 Government of India allocated the highest ever budget for Ladakh of Rs. 5154 Crores.
Similarly during 2020-21 a budget of Rs 5958 Crores has been approved, which will be used for the betterment of the people and UT of Ladakh. Many initiatives and future steps are planned to prepare a vision document for ladakh titiled ‘Ladakh 2050’.
With the setup of new administration of UT Ladakh, LAHDC’s were also empowered with many beneficial LAHDC’s were also empowered with many beneficial changes and existing roles were maintained. Highest ever budget of Rs. 232.41 crores was alloted to both LAHDC leh and Kargil separately. Vacant posts of Block Development Officers were filled at the blocks to enable the councils to spend the allocated budgets. Assistant Commisioners Development and Block Development officers of Rural Development Department were being empowered to call tenders . And many more profitable additions were made to ensure empowerment of LAHDC, according to the officials.
The administration also introduced e-initiatives for public ease by successfully launching VAHAN and SARATHI online applications for vehicle registration abd driving license under e-transport projects. A system of e-stamp and e-court fees has also been launched replacing the age old paper stamp system. In the time of pandamic, the two much needed information and resource applications ‘Ladakh Connect’ and ‘Ladakh COVID-19’ were launched for registering the residents of ladakh staying to ensure constant addressing of their grievances and timely response was ensured during the Covid lockdown, they added.
UT administration have always worked for the promotion and power of Blocks and panchyats.There are major setups and steps taken to emopwer the are major setups and steps taken to emopwer the local self Government. The administration ordered enhancement of monthly honoranium of sarpanch(s) and fixation of monthly honoranium and allowances for the newly elected Chairpersons of Block Development Councils. With that various training programmes were organises for the Sarpanchs, BDOs, MIS operators regarding online payment system amd much more, the official said.
Situations have already been tough all over the world due to the pandemic COVID 19 , the UT of ladakh is trying its best in handling the current situation due to Coronavirus. A lab with two RTPCR machines has been set up. Adequate supplies of medicines, medical equipments like ventilator and personal protection equipments have been ensured to fight the virus. Two dedicated COVID-19 hospitals are currently functional, they added.
In future the administration plans to bring lots of good changes and work more. The Government has been brought closer to people so that this impact dignity to the people in their interaction with the Government. Under Special Development Package Work of 50000 crores has already started. More packages shall be announced in the nearer future. The package is expected to give a major boost to the infrastructure, higher education and other sectors as well. The future plans of administration are on cards and many positive and pregressive changes can be seen. Empowerment is the key goal of the administration, according to the sources.
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