Shashi Tharoor-led parliamentary panel meets CEC Kargil, discusses development priorities

Dr Jaffer seeks Passport Seva Kendra in Kargil

KARGIL: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, on Thursday urged the establishment of a Passport Seva Kendra in Kargil during a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee of the Ministry of External Affairs, led by Member of Parliament Dr. Shashi Tharoor, which is on a visit to the district.

Describing the proposed facility as a long-pending public requirement, Dr. Akhoon said a Passport Seva Kendra would ease access to passport-related services for residents, particularly pilgrims travelling abroad for Hajj and other religious or international visits, besides reducing the need to travel outside the district.

Welcoming the parliamentary delegation, the CEC said the committee’s visit reflected an opportunity to understand the aspirations and developmental requirements of the people of Ladakh. He expressed hope that the interaction would facilitate the resolution of issues concerning the district.

Besides Dr. Shashi Tharoor, the delegation included Members of Parliament Arvind Ganpat Sawant, Praniti Sushil, Arun Govil and Shangreiso Zimik, along with senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, including Joint Secretary and Chief Passport Officer B.S. Mubarak, Dr. Smita Singh, Ms. Shivani, Jagdish Kumar, Rishi Angra, Lt. Col. Mandeep Kaur and Manish Kumar.

During the meeting, Dr. Akhoon also highlighted a range of developmental concerns relating to Kargil and sought greater institutional support to improve public service delivery in the district.

Responding to the issues raised, members of the Parliamentary Committee assured that the concerns and demands placed before them would be examined and conveyed to the appropriate authorities for necessary consideration.

The interaction concluded with both sides expressing confidence that continued engagement between the Parliamentary Committee and the district administration would contribute to the welfare and development of Kargil.