First ever training program of Ladakhi Sarpanches in Dehradun initiated

The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, R K Mathur presided over as the chief guest on the occasion of the virtual inaugural session of 5 days training cum exposure visit conducted for Sarpanches of Ladakh in collaboration with Government of Uttarakhand, Department of Panchayati Raj held in Dehradun today. On the directions of the Lt. Governor, the UT Administration has arranged for an extensive training/ capacity building cum exposure visit for 168 Sarpanches including 86 from Kargil and 82 from Leh districts in Uttarakhand to study best practices and effective functioning of PRIs. The first batch consisting of 43 Sarpanch, two BDOs and three lady trainees started with their training from today and the second batch of around 40 Sarpanches is scheduled to start their training from February 10. Addressing the gathering, the Lt. Governor thanked the Uttarakhand Government for their support in organizing these training programs for the Sarpanches of UT Ladakh and said that such training will fetch good results in future. He said that the PR system is new in Ladakh and with the challenge of Covid-19 pandemic a proper system couldn’t be put in place. He added that with the decrease in Covid-19 cases, Panchayati Raj system shall be made increasingly functional. “Efforts are on to fill the vacancies and staff shortage to ensure smooth functioning of all the offices at the block level,” said the LG. The Lt. Governor informed that from the new financial year, in addition to the existing works, the Sarpanches will be given an additional budget. He expressed hope that this training will give them the opportunity to learn and experience things that they can implement on ground once they are back in Ladakh. He stated that the present PR system in Ladakh has been under the J&K Panchayat Act. He stressed on giving training to the Panches and government officials of the Rural Development Department in future. Commissioner Secretary Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Divisional Commissioner Ladakh/ Secretary Rural Development Department, Secretary Panchayati Raj Uttarakhand Hari Chandra Semval were present on the occasion.