Ladakh Times, Main Bazar, Ladakh (2026)

11/08/2026

Ladakh recorded a decline of 82 government elementary-level schools during 2025-26, according to data submitted by the Union Ministry of Education in the Lok Sabha, highlighting a significant contraction in the government school network in the Union Territory.

The figures were shared by Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary in a written reply to the Lok Sabha in response to a question concerning the closure of schools due to inadequate student enrolment.

According to the UDISE+ data, the number of government elementary schools in Ladakh fell by 82 during 2025-26. The decline comes at a time when the Union Government is emphasising improved access, enrolment and infrastructure under schemes including Samagra Shiksha, PM POSHAN and PM SHRI. Read the full article at www.ladakhtimes.com
_
_
_
_

11/08/2026

Ladakh Administration Retains Excise Policy 2025-26 with Modifications

Leh, August 11, 2026: The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has decided to continue the Excise Policy 2025-26, notified vide S.O. 35 dated April 4, 2025, with certain modifications.

The decision was taken by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh after considering representations received regarding the Excise Policy published vide S.O. 198 dated May 31, 2026.

As per the Excise Department, existing excise licences will be renewed in accordance with the provisions and procedures of the Excise Policy 2025-26, while the licence fee will be charged as prescribed under S.O. 198 dated May 31, 2026. The same fee structure will apply to new licences as well.

Regarding retail liquor outlets, the Administration has decided that licences for only two retail vends will be granted as per the existing prescribed procedure.

The earlier Notice Inviting Auction (NIA) issued for allotment of 20 newly proposed retail liquor vend locations has been cancelled. A fresh NIA will be issued for the existing two locations. The Earnest Money Deposit and registration fee deposited by bidders under the earlier NIA will be refunded by the Excise Department.

The two retail vends will be permitted to sell liquor containing alcohol up to 15% v/v.

The categories of excise licences will remain unchanged as prescribed under the Excise Policy 2025-26, while the licence fees will be applicable as per S.O. 198 dated May 31, 2026.

The Excise Department further clarified that the excise duty will remain unchanged as mentioned in S.O. 35 dated April 4, 2025.

The decisions, according to the department, have been taken to ensure continuity, consistency and clarity in the implementation of the Excise Policy across the Union Territory of Ladakh. All concerned authorities have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the revised decisions.

11/08/2026

Leh, August 10, 2026: Administrative Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Himanshu Gupta, chaired a meeting to review preparations for the upcoming Ladakh Book Festival 2026, scheduled to be held from August 14 to 22 in the UT of Ladakh.

During the meeting, the Administrative Secretary took a detailed review of the arrangements being made for the successful conduct of the Ladakh Book Festival and emphasised the need for wide publicity through various media platforms to ensure maximum public participation. Discussions were also held regarding the engagement of vendors for hoardings, posters, branding materials and other publicity-related requirements for the event.

Representatives of the National Book Trust (NBT) also apprised the meeting of various requirements for the smooth functioning of the Book Fair. Particular emphasis was laid on ensuring adequate sanitation, availability of drinking water and proper public conveniences at the venue. The representatives stressed that adequate civic amenities should be put in place to provide a clean, safe and comfortable environment for visitors, participants, authors, publishers and other stakeholders attending the fair.

The meeting was attended by Administrative Secretary, School Education, Bhanu Prabha; Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Rigzin Spalgon; Superintendent Engineer, PHE, Syed Mohammad; and Joint Director, DIPR, Mohd Taqi, who participated virtually. Representatives from the National Book Trust, led by Project In-charge Ashok Dhankar, were also present during the meeting.

10/08/2026

Kargil Launches Month-Long Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign Against Drug Abuse

08/08/2026

Kargil, August 8, 2026: Member of Parliament, Ladakh, Mohmad Haneefa Jan today visited several areas of Kargil district affected by the recent cloudbursts and flash floods, including Silmo, Tumail Broq, Choskore Archoo and Sangrah, and interacted with the affected families and local residents to take stock of the damages and relief and restoration measures.

The MP was accompanied by Councillor Silmo Feroz Khan, SE PWD, Tehsildar Kargil, Executive Engineer R&B, Executive Engineer Mechanical, Executive Engineer PHE and other officers and officials.

During his visit to Silmo, villagers apprised the MP of the damages caused to irrigation infrastructure and requested early restoration of the irrigation khuls to safeguard agricultural activities and ensure adequate water supply.

At Tumail Broq, the affected residents highlighted the damage to irrigation khuls and sought immediate temporary measures along with a comprehensive long-term plan for their permanent restoration.

At Sangrah, villagers raised concerns regarding damage to floor areas and sought compensation for the losses suffered due to the cloudburst. They also urged for construction of a bridge at Brakhar and Zbrul Changrah instead of a culvert, keeping in view the vulnerability of the area during heavy rainfall and flash floods. The MP directed the concerned stakeholders to formulate a proper proposal and assured that he would take up the matter with the higher authorities for necessary consideration.

08/08/2026

Support Wings’ ‘Dosti Across Ages’ Brings Generations Together in Leh

Leh, July 27, 2026: Support Wings successfully conducted its ‘Dosti Across Ages’ initiative in Leh, bringing people from different generations together through meaningful conversations, companionship and shared experiences.

The youth-led initiative focused on fostering intergenerational connections, encouraging young volunteers to interact with people across different age groups and learn from their experiences and perspectives.

Through conversations and shared moments, the initiative promoted kindness, empathy, companionship and community engagement, highlighting the importance of building connections beyond differences in age.

Speaking on the occasion, Rohan Boke, Assistant Director, Support Wings, said that meaningful connections have no age limit and that bringing generations together helps strengthen communities through the exchange of experiences, perspectives and values.

Support Wings is a youth-driven organisation working across 80+ cities in India, empowering young people through leadership programmes, internships, volunteering opportunities and community initiatives aimed at creating positive social impact.

The ‘Dosti Across Ages’ initiative reflects Support Wings’ continued efforts to engage youth in community-oriented activities and promote a more compassionate, inclusive and connected society.

08/08/2026

Kargil, August 07, 2026: Acting Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Aga Syed Mujtaba Musavi today visited the National Handloom Day exhibition at Hussaini Park Kargil to mark the celebration of National Handloom Day.

He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar (IAS), Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kargil, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Kargil, Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Kargil, District Superintendent Handloom, HQ to Deputy Commissioner, besides other officers and officials.

During the visit, the Acting CEC inspected various stalls showcasing a wide range of locally produced handloom and handicraft items. He interacted with the artisans and weavers, appreciated their craftsmanship and encouraged them to continue preserving and promoting the region’s rich handloom heritage through their unique products.

Addressing the gathering, Acting CEC Aga Syed Mujtaba Musavi said that the Almighty has blessed the region with unique and organic products, for which everyone should be grateful. He remarked that the handloom and handicraft products of Kargil reflect the district’s rich cultural identity and traditional skills.

He further stated that handloom and handicraft products are not merely items for sale but serve as an important source of livelihood for many families across the district. He prayed for the success and prosperity of the artisans and assured them of all possible support from the Hill Council for the promotion and development of the sector.

07/08/2026

Kargil, August 7, 2026: Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar (IAS), today chaired a district-level review meeting on disaster preparedness to assess the response to recent cloudburst incidents across the district and to strengthen preparedness for future natural calamities.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the damage caused by recent cloudbursts at various locations in the district and discussed both temporary and long-term measures to mitigate the impact of such disasters. He directed all concerned departments to submit detailed damage assessment reports along with geo-tagged before-and-after photographs to facilitate timely processing and release of relief and compensation as per the prescribed norms.

The DC informed the meeting that the District Administration has already disbursed an ex gratia relief of ₹4 lakh to the next of kin of a deceased person who lost his life in a recent natural calamity, in accordance with the applicable disaster relief guidelines.

Emphasising the need for prompt documentation, he instructed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to submit consolidated reports on losses suffered in the Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry sectors from their respective jurisdictions. He also directed the Chief Education Officer to furnish reports on damages sustained by school infrastructure for further necessary action.

The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the response of each department during the recent cloudburst incidents and stressed the importance of coordinated action during emergencies.

The DC appreciated the early response and coordinated efforts of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the Indian Army during the recent emergencies, particularly in Silmoo and Hardass. He directed BRO to explore and provide a Bailey Bridge at Silmoo to improve connectivity and ensure early movement during emergencies.The Deputy Commissioner directed all SDMs to submit complete and verified damage reports from their respective areas at the earliest to enable expeditious release of compensation to the affected beneficiaries in accordance with SDRF/NDRF guidelines.

07/08/2026

EXCLUSIVE WEEKEND SALE!

Get up to 50% OFF on Shoes, Tents, T-Shirts, Shorts & Outdoor Accessories.

Offer valid from Friday to Sunday only.

Visit Adventra Sports Store, Airport Road opposite Tourist Center or near to Singay Namgyal Chowk. Gear up for your next adventure with unbeatable offers!

07/08/2026

Kargil, 7th August 2026:

The Ladakh Police Subordinate Services Recruitment Board (LPSSRB) today successfully conducted the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET) for the recruitment of Sub-Inspector posts at Khree Sultan Cho Sports Stadium, Biamathang, Kargil, in a smooth, transparent and well-organized manner.

A large number of eligible candidates from Kargil district participated in the recruitment process, which was carried out under strict security and monitoring arrangements. To ensure complete fairness, transparency and accountability, the recruitment process incorporated modern technology, including biometric verification, digital physical measurements for height and chest, RFID chip-based timing system for the endurance race, and comprehensive CCTV surveillance throughout the venue. The recruitment process was also conducted in the presence of designated officials and observers to maintain the highest standards of transparency.

The arrangements at the venue ensured orderly movement of candidates, timely completion of various recruitment stages and adherence to all prescribed procedures. Medical assistance, drinking water and other essential facilities were also made available for the convenience of candidates.

The Recruitment Board reiterated that the selection process is entirely merit-based, objective and free from any external influence. Candidates qualifying in the Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test will be eligible to appear in the Written Examination as per the recruitment schedule, after which the final merit list will be prepared in accordance with the prescribed recruitment rules.

The Board once again advised candidates and the general public not to believe rumours or misleading claims regarding the recruitment process and cautioned against approaching any person promising selection in exchange for money or other inducements. All official information regarding the recruitment process will be communicated only through the authorized channels of Ladakh Police.

Ladakh Times

11/08/2026

11/08/2026

11/08/2026

10/08/2026

08/08/2026

08/08/2026

08/08/2026

07/08/2026

07/08/2026

07/08/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request