LEH: Advisor Ladakh Dr. Pawan Kotwal reviewed the status of progress achieved under the Vibrant Village Program (VVP), being implemented in 35 border villages of Changthang to achieve comprehensive development of these villages, with focused areas of interventions for creation of opportunities for livelihood generation through promotion of agriculture, horticulture, tourism & cultural heritage, skill development and entrepreneurship, development of co-operative societies for managing livelihood opportunities including agriculture/horticulture, cultivation of medicinal plants/herbs, road connectivity, housing & village infrastructure, energy including renewable energy, television & telecom connectivity, financial inclusion, etc.

Deputy Commissioner, Leh Santosh Sukhadeve apprised the meeting of the total number of projects submitted to MHA for approval for the new financial year and gave details of the development in saturation of the various GoI schemes in these villages.

Advisor Dr. Kotwal discussed in detail the schemes implemented and the challenges faced in achieving 100 percent saturation, especially in some of the schemes such as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

Dr Kotwal gave instructions to the concerned department to take all steps to saturate the scheme in the next ten days.

Similar instructions were given to the Rural Development Department to clear the few pending cases under PM Awas Yojana and achieve 100 percent saturation of the scheme.

Dr Kotwal, while discussing the projects approved under Samagra Shiksha, urged the concerned department to initiate the tendering of the works so that physical works can begin as soon as the working season starts in Ladakh.

These include new residential hostels/upgrades in schools at Koyul, Tsaga, Korzok, Chushul, Durbuk, etc.

Principal Secretary Sanjeev Khirwar, Commissioner Secretary Padma Angmo, CCF Sajad Mufti, Secretary Yatinder M Maralkar, and other concerned officials attended the meeting.