LEH, February 6, 2026 — In a move to strengthen the social safety net of the Union Territory, the Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a high-level review meeting of the Social & Tribal Welfare Department today.
The session focused on evaluating the department’s organizational structure, current manpower deployment, and the ground-level execution of various flagship welfare missions.
During the meeting, Administrative Secretary Shashanka Ala provided a comprehensive briefing on the reporting framework and personnel status, leading to a detailed examination by the Chief Secretary regarding the adequacy of staff to ensure effective service delivery across both Leh and Kargil districts.
Central to the discussion was the performance of Mission Poshan, where the Chief Secretary analyzed data regarding Anganwadi infrastructure, nutritional outcomes, and the availability of basic facilities for beneficiaries.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the review of a proposal to increase the monthly honorarium for Anganwadi Workers, an initiative aimed at boosting the morale of frontline workers who are pivotal to the success of Mission Vatsalya, Mission Shakti, and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).
Furthermore, the meeting delved into the Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, prioritizing key outcomes for tribal upliftment and rural development.The review also covered Ladakh’s specialized initiatives for skill development, institutional strengthening, and social security.
Detailed assessments were conducted on the REWA schemes, student scholarships, and integrated social security programs, including old-age pensions and support for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Recognizing the need for enhanced grassroots coordination, Ashish Kundra concluded the meeting by directing the department to organize intensive capacity-building workshops in both districts.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including District Social Welfare Officer Mohd Safdar Bhat and DPO ICDS Leh, AG Zargar, ensuring a collaborative approach to the developmental goals of the Union Territory.
