A review and planning meeting under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) was held today under the chairmanship of Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Kargil, Ghulam Mohad JKAS, at his office chamber.  The meeting was attended by District Programme Managers (DPMs) and Block Programme Managers (BPMs) of NRLM. The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing NRLM activities and discussed future plans for strengthening livelihood opportunities in rural areas. Various issues and challenges faced during implementation at the grassroots level were deliberated upon, with emphasis on improving coordination, capacity building, and community participation. During the meeting, the ADDC stressed the need to productively utilize and promote local wool resources by bringing them into the mainstream market. He suggested the use of modern and larger machinery in place of smaller units wherever feasible to enhance productivity and improve the quality of wool-based products. He further emphasized that marketing strategies should focus on making local products more attractive, competitive, and market-oriented to ensure better returns for rural producers and Self Help Groups (SHGs). The officials informed the chair that under the “One Product One Block” initiative, each block has identified and is promoting a unique local product based on its resources and potential. Discussions were also held regarding the promotion of homestays as a means of livelihood generation and the potential of sites such as the Karpokhar Museum in creating economic opportunities for local communities. The ADDC stressed upon the importance of generating innovative ideas and encouraging NRLM members to adopt self-driven and self-reliant approaches. He called upon officials to motivate Self Help Groups and community members towards entrepreneurship, local resource utilization, and sustainable livelihood generation. He also directed the concerned officers to prepare effective action plans to achieve the objectives of NRLM and strengthen rural livelihoods across the district.

In a landmark development, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have reached an in-principle understanding with the Government of India on restoring full democracy in Ladakh and granting special constitutional safeguards to the region. According to a joint press note issued today, a high-level sub-committee comprising top representatives from LAB, KDA, and the Ministry of Home Affairs met to deliberate on the future administrative and political framework of Ladakh. Both sides have arrived at a significant agreement that aims to empower the people of Ladakh through elected governance. Under the proposed model, legislative, executive, and financial powers will rest with elected representatives through a Union Territory-level legislative body. All bureaucrats of the UT, including the Chief Secretary, will function under the executive head of this elected body, which is proposed to be designated as Chief Minister. The agreement also includes constitutional safeguards on the lines of Article 371 (A, F, and G), similar to those provided to Nagaland, Sikkim, and Mizoram. This move addresses long-standing demands for the protection of Ladakh’s unique identity, culture, and interests. The Ministry of Home Affairs explained that while full statehood cannot be granted immediately due to Ladakh’s current revenue constraints — particularly in meeting expenditure on government salaries — the new empowered framework will serve as a stepping stone. Once Ladakh achieves adequate financial self-sufficiency, the path to full statehood will be opened.

In Ladakh, the relics will be open for public veneration at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10; Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with other Union Ministers, ambassadors, Chief Ministers of Buddhist-majority States and representatives of various Buddhist organisations, is expected to visit Leh during the veneration period. The sacred Piprahwa relics of the Buddha was accorded a ceremonial reception on arrival in Leh on Wednesday (April 29, 2026), as people poured out of their homes and gathered along the roads to pay respect. The reception ceremony, with religious figures and government officials in attendance, witnessed traditional performances, ceremonial honours and sacred rituals, reflecting the region’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Rakesh Kumar chaired a District Consultative Committee (DCC) and District Level Review Committee (DLRC) meeting at Conference Hall, Baroo, to review the performance of banks and the implementation of various government-sponsored schemes in the district. During the meeting, the DC reviewed key banking indicators and assessed the progress achieved under priority and non-priority sector lending. He stressed the need for banks to strengthen credit flow, improve outreach, and ensure timely disbursement of loans to eligible beneficiaries. Highlighting the importance of financial inclusion, the DC directed banks to enhance awareness regarding government schemes and facilitate easier access to credit for students, farmers, entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and aspiring business owners. He emphasized the need to increase educational loans, housing loans, MSME financing, and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) coverage across the district. The DC noted the vast economic opportunities expected to emerge following the opening of the Zojila Tunnel and urged banks to actively support tourism-related ventures, including homestays, adventure tourism, rafting, and other hospitality services. He stated that tourism is poised to become a major driver of economic growth in the district and called upon financial institutions to extend adequate support to local entrepreneurs.Reviewing the progress of flagship schemes such as PM Vishwakarma, PM SVANidhi, PMEGP, Mudra Yojana, and KCC, the DC directed banks to expedite the disposal of pending cases and ensure timely sanctioning and disbursement of loans. He also stressed the need to promote horticulture, fisheries, and other livelihood-generating sectors through greater financial support.