Diplomat Correspondent
Leh, DD, An interactive session was held today in Leh between Dr. Asha Lakra, Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), and Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, to deliberate on key issues concerning the tribal population of Ladakh on June 28.
Dr. Asha Lakra was accompanied by Mukta Makkar, Senior PPS (In Chair), H.R. Meena, Research Officer, Rahul, Investigator, Rahul Yadav, Consultant (Legal), Aditi Sonkar, Consultant, and Jatinder Pal Singh, Consultant.
From LAHDC Leh, Executive Councillor for RDD Tashi Namgyal Yakzee; Executive Councillor for Agriculture, Stanzin Chosphel; and Executive Councillor for Minority Ghulam Mehdi,Chief Planning Officer, Tsewang Gyalson; Chief Controller of Finance, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali.
During the session, members of the National Commission and the Hill Council formally introduced themselves, followed by a detailed discussion on various tribal-related issues in the region.
The CEC Tashi Gyalson highlighted the long-pending demand for granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Argon community, along with the concerns of families not yet been recognised under the ST category.
He further suggested that the current listing of “Brokskat (Dardic)” language of Ladakh be amended to “Dardi Aryan” to better reflect the identity of the community.
He also raised the issue of Buddhist nuns from rural areas studying outside Ladakh who remain ineligible for scholarships due to existing criteria, and called for appropriate intervention.
Executive Councillor Ghulam Mehdi put forth the request to include the Balti language in the list of officially recognised languages of the region, considering its cultural and historical importance.
Executive Councillor Tashi Namgyal Yakzee proposed the establishment of a dedicated Wool Board in Ladakh to support local livelihoods and traditional occupations.
In response, Member Dr. Asha Lakra assured the officials that all the issues raised during the session would be carefully reviewed and Commission would look into them with due seriousness and consideration.DD