Kargil/ Dec. 28: Divisional Commissioner Ladakh Saugat Biswas called on the Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmad Khan at the Council Secretariat Kargil here today morning.

Executive Councillor for Horticulture Aga Syed Hassan Armaan, Executive Councillor for Works Mubarak Shah Nagvi and Executive Councillor for Zanskar Affairs Er Phunsog Tashi were also present in the meeting.

During the course of the meeting, the CEC Kargil and Divisional Commissioner Ladakh discussed various issues pertaining to Kargil District like the operation of AN-32 Courier Service, MI-17 and B-3 helicopter services, traffic movement on Zojila Pass, matters related to SDRF, Rural Development, District Motor Garages, SRTC besides other related issues.

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As regards to the operation of AN-32 Courier Service, the Div Com Ladakh informed the CEC that all preparations are in place in this regard and the service will be kick started once the requisition comes from the LAHDC, Kargil. He further said that apart from the MI-17 helicopter service between Kargil and Srinagar which is being operated on 80% subsidized rates, new sorties of helicopter service are being started to connect Jammu, Padum and Drass sectors including the heli services between Srinagar-Drass and Padum-Kargil sectors.

The CEC asked the Div Com Ladakh to ensure that priority is accorded to patients and emergency cases in the Pawan Hans helicopter service.

While discussing issues related to Rural Development Department, the CEC urged the Div Com Ladakh to release the payments in case of materials supply of MGNREGA works at the earliest. He also underlined the need to put in place a mechanism for provision of land compensation funds in case of works under Rural Development sector.

CEC Khan also urged the Div Com Ladakh to take necessary measures for conduct of capacity building training programmes and workshops for the officers and field functionaries of Rural Development Department so as to enlighten them about and their roles and responsibilities as well as different Government schemes.

The Div Com Ladakh assured the CEC that funds in case of the release of payments on account of materials supply of MGNREGA works shall be released at the earliest while 2 Draftsmen are being deputed to Rural Development Department Kargil shortly.

As regards to the development of Industrial Estate in Kargil, the Div Com urged the CEC, Kargil for furnishing of feasibility analysis for provision of water and power supply so that funds could be released accordingly.

Various other issues related to Transport Department, SRTC and Motor Garages were discussed threadbare in the meeting.

The Div Com Ladakh informed the CEC that 10 electric buses, 5 each for Leh and Kargil districts are being procured soon. He further said that a proposal has also been submitted to the GAD Ladakh for establishment of the Motor Garages in Ladakh UT as a separate department headed by a Joint Director with 2 Deputy Directors while among other measures, a proposal for engagement of drivers on outsourcing basis is also in the pipeline.

The Div Com also assured the CEC that the matter with regard to the issuance of national permit in favor of vehicles having crossed 9 years of operation will be soon taken up with the Secretary Transport J&K UT.