Leh: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a review meeting of the School Education, Higher Education, Skill Development and Cooperative Departments at the UT Secretariat, Leh, to assess ongoing initiatives and review departmental priorities.
Administrative Secretary for Higher Education, School Education, Cooperatives and Skill Development, Bhanu Prabha, briefed the meeting on measures to improve academic performance and student enrolment, strengthen school infrastructure, and expand career guidance services. She informed the meeting that discussions had been held with the concerned Ministry regarding the introduction of career guidance and psychometric assessment programmes. Plans were also discussed to provide NEET and JEE coaching to selected students through a reputed coaching institute.
The Chief Secretary directed the department to engage additional teachers as special resource persons in Mathematics and Science. He also emphasised strengthening exposure programmes for teachers and students, identifying sporting talent, and improving sports infrastructure in schools. To expand higher education opportunities and enhance employability in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), the meeting discussed increasing college enrolment and introducing courses in B.Sc. Nursing, Law, B.Ed., D.El.Ed. and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc.), subject to the requisite approvals. Collaboration with IIT Jammu and the Central University of Jammu for specialised courses, certification programmes and joint academic initiatives was also discussed.
The Chief Secretary also suggested organising a summit of trans-Himalayan universities to promote academic collaboration, research and knowledge-sharing in areas relevant to Ladakh.
About startup incubation
The meeting also discussed establishing startup incubation centres to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth. The Chief Secretary stated that a new startup policy was expected to be introduced within two months. He directed the concerned departments to prepare proposals and operationalise the centres at the earliest, noting that the required funding was available.
ITI Review
He visited the Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Leh, to review the existing infrastructure, training facilities and ongoing developmental works at the institute. He also visited the Centre of Excellence on Integrated Technology at Government ITI Leh, where he was apprised of various training facilities and equipment, including the IIoT PLC Automation Workbench, Safety Earthing Workbench, Battery Training Workbench, Lab Service and Maintenance Workbench, and other electrical equipment, along with their applications.
Expressing satisfaction with the facilities established at the Centre of Excellence, the Chief Secretary emphasised the need to explore the introduction of new trades, particularly in drone and solar technologies, to expand skill development opportunities for local youth. He observed that ITI Leh could be developed into an integrated skill development hub to equip trainees with industry-relevant skills and enhance their employment prospects.
During the review of technical education and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), the Chief Secretary suggested identifying a reputed private aviation training institute to enable the UT Administration to sponsor eligible aspirants from Ladakh for aviation-related courses. The initiative aims to expand specialised training opportunities and improve employment prospects for local youth.
The meeting also reviewed the targets and priorities of the Cooperative Department, including strengthening dairy and Pashmina cooperatives, improving market linkages, expanding storage facilities and developing local value chains to enhance livelihoods and support the local economy. The Chief Secretary further directed the establishment of a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) for the development and strengthening of floriculture cooperatives.
The meeting was attended by Administrative Secretary, Higher Education, School Education, Cooperatives and Skill Development, Bhanu Prabha; Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Prof. Saket Kushwaha; Registrar, University of Ladakh; Director, School Education, Tsering Paldan; Joint Director, School Education Department, Zakir Hussain; Assistant Director, Planning, Tsetan Angmo; Deputy Registrar, Cooperatives, Leh, Sachin Bali; Under Secretary, Higher Education Department; and other concerned officers.
