Leh, August 28: The Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh is very close to the heart of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will soon get special provisions under Art 371 as an exceptional case. This was stated by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in Leh today.
The Minister was speaking at the Silver Jubilee Founder’s Day function of the Druk Padma Karpo School at Shey in Leh district where he was the Chief Guest.
Rijiju said during his address that Prime Minister Modi always believed that regions like Ladakh need special attention and he has been working towards this ever since he first assumed charge as Prime Minister. He said that it is because of his vision that the development landscape of Ladakh is witnessing change like never before, both on the economic and the social front.
The Minister said that under the guidance of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Home Affairs is working towards providing special provisions for the UT of Ladakh. He said that it is only because PM Modi’s affinity for the region that such provisions are being considered for the region.
Expressing hope that these provisions will materialize soon and the people of Ladakh will be able to take benefit from them, the Minister said that the PM has been wanting for a long time to visit the region and share his thoughts with the people and this desire may also see the light of day soon.
Rijiju said that there is a sea change in the way people used to look at Ladakh and the scenario now is entirely different from what it was 25 years ago. He said that a lot of development has taken place in the region, especially in the last 10 years. He made special mention of improvements in road connectivity and said that journeys from one part of the UT to the other which would earlier take days can now be completed in a matter of hours.
The Minister said that recent developments like the creation of new districts in Ladakh will greatly benefit the population and people will realize that such changes have been brought in only for their benefit. He said that UT status had also been a long pending demand of the people of Ladakh and that demand has also now been fulfilled. He added that a bench of the High Court will also be established in Ladakh in the near future and this will greatly benefit the local population.
Rijiju mentioned that he is the first Buddhist ever to hold a position in the Union Cabinet of Ministers and it is only because of PM Modi’s care and concern for the minorities that such a thing has become possible. He added that all minorities have equal opportunities in the country and that the government is committed to the development of all minorities and a lot of work is being done towards making that possible.
Addressing the students present at the gathering, the Minister said that the youth should hold on to their roots and traditions and not be swayed by outside influences, especially through the internet. He said that blind following of online trends can sometimes have negative consequences which may result in violence and law and order situations.
Senior dignitaries from the UT administration and eminent members of religious and civil society forums were also present on the occasion.
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