LEH: Former Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal on Thursday congratulated the people of Ladakh following the approval for notification of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) in all seven districts, describing the move as a new phase in the Union Territory’s democratic and developmental journey.
In a statement, Namgyal said extending the LAHDC framework to Zanskar, Nubra, Changthang, Sham and Drass, along with the existing councils in Leh and Kargil, would strengthen decentralised and participatory governance and provide people across the Union Territory with a greater institutional role in shaping local development priorities.
He said the expansion would give local aspirations and concerns a stronger platform in district-level planning and decision-making.
Namgyal linked the development to the creation of five new districts in April and the Union Government’s July 13 decision to extend the LAHDC framework across Ladakh.
According to the former MP, the move would bring governance closer to communities, strengthen local institutions and expand opportunities for people to participate in planning, development and decision-making.
“This is not merely an administrative expansion—it is a celebration of Ladakh’s democratic spirit and the aspirations of its people,” Namgyal said, adding that the new arrangement should ensure meaningful participation of every region and community in shaping Ladakh’s future.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president Nitin Nabin and Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena for the decision.
Namgyal said the expansion of the councils carried the promise of more inclusive governance and balanced development across the Union Territory.
He extended his congratulations to residents of Zanskar, Nubra, Changthang, Sham, Drass, Kargil and Leh, calling upon people to work collectively towards a stronger, prosperous, peaceful and inclusive Ladakh.
The statement comes shortly after the Lieutenant Governor approved the notification for creation of LAHDCs in all seven districts. The move is expected to pave the way for elected councils in the five newly created districts, subject to the statutory process under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils Act, 1997.
