CS Ladakh reviews progress of flagship schemes, stresses timely implementation

LEH: Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired a review meeting to assess the implementation of various Central flagship schemes across the Union Territory. The meeting focused on physical and financial progress, beneficiary coverage, completion status and challenges in implementation.

Administrative Secretaries and senior officers of various departments presented the progress of flagship schemes under their respective sectors. Emphasising effective governance, the Chief Secretary directed departments to focus on measurable outcomes, timely completion of projects and transparent reporting of achievements.

Reviewing the School Education Department, the Chief Secretary sought reasons for the high dropout ratio and reviewed the retention rate, Performance Grading Index and PM SHRI Schools. He directed the department to separately present infrastructure and learning outcomes for a better assessment of the programme.

Under the Skill Development sector, he reviewed the progress of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, ITI upgradation and PM SETU, seeking details on enrolment, certification, bid evaluation, trainee incentives and district-wise implementation.

Reviewing the Power Development Department, he assessed the implementation of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, including rooftop solar installations, the proposed RESCO model and government participation under the scheme. He also reviewed progress under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), smart metering, remote electricity connections and prepaid and postpaid metering.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed the implementation of BharatNet Phase-III, financial inclusion schemes including Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, besides taking stock of Aadhaar linkage under the Labour Department.

During the review of the Rural Development Department, he assessed the progress of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and POSHAN 2.0. Expressing concern over vacant posts of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, he suggested exploring the integration of Bal Vatikas with Anganwadi Centres wherever feasible to optimise available manpower. He also reviewed Saksham Anganwadi projects and AMRUT initiatives.

The meeting also reviewed Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), with discussions focusing on housing targets, garbage-free city certification, and legacy waste remediation and mechanised desludging.

In the Health sector, the Chief Secretary reviewed the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, ABHA card registrations, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, National Health Mission, PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission and TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. He emphasised transparent reporting of beneficiary data and fund utilisation, strengthening healthcare services in remote villages, availability of specialist doctors, elimination of tuberculosis, promotion of Sowa-Rigpa, expansion of Yoga and Wellness Centres and improved digital monitoring.

The Chief Secretary further reviewed the progress of Swadesh Darshan projects, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), Jal Jeevan Mission and the development of EV charging infrastructure. He directed departments to prepare clear implementation roadmaps, timelines and sustainable strategies for promoting electric mobility in Ladakh.

Reviewing Civil Aviation infrastructure projects, he instructed that future presentations should clearly indicate the present status of works, completion timelines and other relevant implementation details. He also discussed promotion-related planning and power distribution matters, directing the General Administration Department to take necessary follow-up action.

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Rural Development, Nidhi Malik; Secretary, Power Development Department, Himanshu Gupta; Secretary, School Education, Bhanu Prabha; Secretary, Tourism, Sanjeet Rodrigues; Secretary, Transport, Rahul Sharma; Secretary, General Administration Department, Rudra P.T. Goud; Director Health Services; Chief Planning Officer; heads of departments; Directors; Under Secretaries; and other senior officers of the concerned departments.