Ladakh's Lt Governor BD Mishra Urges Centre to Maintain Budget Allocation Amid Proposed Cuts

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor, BD Mishra, has urged the central government to keep the current budget allocation unchanged for the region's development. This request comes amid reports of a potential reduction in funds. Mishra brought up this concern during a meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, as stated by a Raj Bhavan spokesperson.

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Budget Concerns and Development Impact

The Lt Governor highlighted the central government's decision to adjust the budget for Ladakh's capital component for the financial year 2024-25. He explained that this change could negatively affect ongoing development projects, particularly those managed by the hill councils. The spokesperson noted that such a reduction might hinder the region's overall progress.

On Tuesday, Tsering Namgyal, Leh Congress president, criticised the central government's decision to decrease Ladakh's annual budget. Since becoming a Union Territory in August 2019, Ladakh has received an annual budget of nearly Rs 6,000 crore. However, this year, the government plans to cut it by Rs 976 crore, which Namgyal described as a significant issue.

Meetings with Central Ministers

Mishra also met with Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi. During their discussion, Mishra addressed various minority affairs-related issues affecting Ladakh's residents. This included talks about scholarships for students from the Union Territory.

The Lt Governor requested that the Finance Minister maintain the current budget allocation for Ladakh's capital component for 2024-25. He stressed that keeping the budget intact is crucial for completing ongoing projects on time and ensuring the region's overall development. The Raj Bhavan spokesperson mentioned that Sitharaman assured Mishra she would consider his concerns.

The discussions between Mishra and central ministers underscore the importance of maintaining financial support for Ladakh's development initiatives. Ensuring adequate funding is essential for sustaining progress and addressing local needs effectively.