Ladakh becomes separate admin-revenue division of J&K

JAMMU: In a decision aimed at boosting governance and development initiatives in the Ladakh region, the Jammu and Kashmir government has approved the creation of a separate administrative-cum-revenue division for Ladakh. The new division, which fulfils a long-standing demand of the people of Ladakh, will comprise Leh and Kargil districts, with its headquarters at Leh.

J&K now comprises three divisions -- Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Until now, Ladakh was part of the Kashmir division.

“The government has also approved the creation of posts of divisional commissioner (Ladakh), Leh, and inspector general of police (Ladakh), Leh,” an official spokesperson said. “Further, a committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of principal secretary, planning, development and monitoring department, to identify the posts of divisional level heads of various departments that may be required for the new division, particularly their staffing pattern, role and responsibilities, and proposed location of these offices,” he added.

According to him, the issue was discussed at various fora and there had been a persistent demand for the creation of a division for Ladakh from many organizations, including the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC).

Ladakh is one of the most sparsely populated regions in J&K and is the highest plateau in the state, with most of it being over 9,800 feet above sea level.