Diplomat Correspondent
Leh, DD: Continuing its breaking initiatives in Information Technology and Digitization projects, The Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal chaired a meeting to review of the ongoing Information Technology (IT) and digitalization projects in the region. The meeting was held at the Civil Secretariat Leh.
The Administrative Secretary of Information and Technology Department, Shashanka Ala provided a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation covering key projects and their progress such as Ladakh’s Statewide Area Network project (SWAN); 4G Saturation Project; scope and progress of e-seva services in UT Ladakh; Bharat Net phase second and Amended Bharat Net, were discussed.
The meeting was aimed to assess the current status and progress of these projects and to address their challenges for future plans for implementing digital solutions to enhance the quality of public services and foster growth in the region.
The Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal reviewed the status of these projects thoroughly and urged the concerned officials to expand internet connectivity, digitizing government services, and promoting IT-driven solutions for education, healthcare, and administrative departments.
The Secretary of Information and Technology highlighted key milestones achieved, including the installation of high-speed internet infrastructure, under 4G Saturation Project, 241 4G BTS/Tower sites have been sanctioned under this project to provide voice/data connectivity to uncovered villages & hamlets of UT Ladakh.
The Chief Secretary instructed the concerned officials to achieve 100% saturation in digitalization projects.He emphasized that the importance of collaboration between local authorities, stakeholders, and technology experts to ensure the successful implementation of these projects.
During the meeting, discussions focused on overcoming the unique challenges faced by Ladakh due to its remote geography and the need for sustainable, long-term digital solutions.
The Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal called for an accelerated efforts to address any bottlenecks and enhance digital infrastructure, with a focus on ensuring equitable access to technology across all sectors of the population.
The meeting was attended by Administrative Secretary, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Yetindara Maralkar; Administrative Secretary, PWD, Micheal D Souza; Administrative Secretary IT Shashanka Ala; Secretary School Education Department Bhanu Prabha; Deputy Commissioner Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve; Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Shrikant Suse; and representatives from Department of Telecommunication, J&K; Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL); Army 14 Corps (Signals); ITBP; NHIDCL; Airtel; Jio and Inspira; and other concerned officers. Officers stationed outside joined the meeting virtually.
Department of Information & Public Relations, Leh, Ladakh
Department of Information & Public Relations, Kargil, Ladakh,DD
