Address by CEC to the General Council of LAHDC Leh – 19th Sept. 2011

Hon’ble members of the House and heads of departments.

I would like to avail this opportunity to draw your attention to an extremely important matter, i.e., ‘Ladakh 2025’ (the Vision for the future of Leh District) and share with you an outline of the Action Plan for its implementation emerging out of deliberations carried out by LAHDC Leh in past few months.

As we all know, formulation of a Vision document in 2005 was an important milestone in the history of Development in our District. I would, therefore, like to start by reminding us the key provisions of this document. ‘Ladakh 2025’ envisions the emergence of Ladakh in next 10 to 15 years as ‘the best model of Hill Area Development and an ideal society with attributes like economic self – reliance, full employment, quality of life, equity and social justice, peace and freedom, respect for universal human values’. Under Economy, people of Ladakh envisage a central role for land based activities and adherence to the principle of self – reliance through a blend of traditional practices and modern scientific know – how. At the same time, other sectors of economy will be explored and utilized to optimum levels. Under ‘New Economy’, priority will be given to put Ladakh on the Industrial Map of the Nation through tapping local resources (including arts and crafts) and by promoting entrepreneurship, enabling the use of I.T. for employment generation and scaling up tourism to benefit more people, particularly in rural areas. However, conservation of the fragile eco – system, preservation of cultural values and equitable distribution of resources as well as benefits of Development will be primary considerations in our endeavor for economic development. Whereas Leh Town and Block HQs will be provided with modern civic amenities, efforts will be made to make the Village a happy place to live, with availability of all basic facilities. While water resources will be well preserved and judiciously used, reliable and affordable power supply will be assured with particular focus on use of renewable sources. On Education, ‘Ladakh 2025’ aims at building the human resource in every child to full potential while inculcating moral values and enabling them for harmonious use of our natural resources with proper guidance from our cultural resources. It also envisages a holistic Heath scenario encompassing physical, mental, social and ecological well – being. It envisages for Ladakh a society firmly upholding its core social and cultural values and preserving its heritage, monuments, arts, crafts. On Planning and Governance, the existing processes and mechanisms will be enabled to match the spirit of Panchayati Raj through promoting Micro Level Planning and strengthening democratic governance structures at village and block levels. In short, economic development will be pursued with due consideration to social networks, the ‘new economy’ will be spearheaded by I.T. and the social infrastructure will be based on principles of equity and participatory governance.

‘Ladakh 2025’ spells out our aspirations for the future in reasonably clear terms. However, it also cautions us that ‘a vision is only as effective as the action that it is backed up with - else it remains a statement of intent’! It provides us with a direction and demands action – and act we must! The Vision Document also reminds us that ‘action alone, however, is not enough – it must be coordinated. All initiative must be designed to complement each other and at no cost must any duplication or, worse still, contradiction between various Development actors be allowed to occur. Convergence, therefore, is the need of the hour’.

I acknowledge that various Development agencies have taken several measures towards goals set by ‘Ladakh 2025’. However, we also realize that we are yet to make a real coordinated effort in this direction. LAHDC Leh has, therefore, resolved to undertake a strategy development process aimed at evolving a roadmap for effective implementation of Development plans and programs towards the realization of ‘Ladakh 2025’. The primary focus of this strategization process will be on the ‘District Plan’ and the 12^th FYP (2012-17). In this regard, a preliminary round of exercises has already been done by LAHDC Leh (with the help of TISS). These exercises involved (a) an analysis of sectoral programs and plan outlays under the ‘District Plan’, (b) one round of sharing and discussion with councilors and then with HODs, and (c) development of narratives (draft 1) by various departments (using prescribed format) providing an analysis of existing programs and an indication to proposed plans and strategies for next 5 years in order to help realize sectoral and overall goals spelt out by ‘Ladakh 2025’.

LAHDC Leh intends to take forward this process so that 12^th FYP becomes a period which would be remembered for convergence of efforts (by our govt. departments, councilors, Panchayats and CSOs) leading to a quantum jump in achieving the goals as well as upholding the principles and values of ‘Ladakh 2025’. I would, therefore, urge all of us to make the best use of the time available (between September 2011 and March 2012 so as to evolve a framework which would help us determine our strategic objectives and activities (under the District Plan, Centrally Sponsored Schemes and other programs) during the 12^th FYP. A ‘workplan’ for the period between now and March 2011, therefore, needs to be worked out through a consultation process. In our deliberations at LAHDC held so far, the following 4 key steps have been suggested:

1. At LAHDC level (Sept. 2011): Laying down a ‘provisional outlay’ for 12^th FYP (under the ‘District Plan’ alongwith linkages with CSSs and other programs) for each sector specifying a financial framework, relevant ‘policy’ guidelines and strategic choices in order for the sector/ department concerned to initiate a strategy development process. In this context, LAHDC Leh will arrange for capacity building on themes like strategy development, project design and proposal development through resource persons from reputed institutions.

2. At departmental level (Oct. and Nov. 2011): Developing (or improving upon existing) ‘Narratives’ by each department through consultation meetings in ‘Thematic Groups’ (atleast 2 rounds – one with local stakeholders and one with experts from outside). The ‘Thematic Groups’ are proposed to be led by the Hon’ble Executive Councilor concerned, with appropriate representation by other councilors, CSOs, PRIs, subject experts, etc. During the process, departments may carry out review meetings, short term research work, participatory exercises and information gathering in order to gain perspectives and ideas from the cross – section of our society and enrich their narratives in terms of their relevance and effectiveness. For this purpose, the departments will have a budget allocation in the District Plan of 2011 – 12.

3. At LAHDC level (Nov. and Dec. 2011): Approval of strategic objectives and activities for 12^th FYP under each sector / department (based on departmental ‘narratives’), development of a Perspective Plan for 12^th FYP, negotiations on strategic priorities (and resources availability) with the State Govt. and Planning Commission and finalization of the ‘provisional outlay’ under each sector / department.

4. At departmental level (Jan to March 2012): Bringing necessary changes in departmental plans (if required), preparation and approval of detailed proposals under each sector /department and developing mechanisms for their implementation from April 2012 onwards.

I appeal all departments to gear themselves up, mobilize the human resources at their disposal, be open to work in team situations, get views and perspectives of various actors, and help LAHDC Leh in fulfilling this important and challenging task. We are going through changing times. The fast pace of development is obviously benefiting us economically but it is also posing serious challenges to our cultural ethos. Unfortunately, the menace of corruption is threatening the very fabric of our society. I urge everyone to consider during our strategy development process all options for promoting attributes like integrity, cooperation, transparency, accountability, sense of responsibility, punctuality, farsightedness, pro-activeness and commitment to collective good. I am confident that all stakeholders in the development of Ladakh will work in excellent team spirit so that we could effectively link our existing plans and programs with the aims and ideals of ‘Ladakh 2025’ and make significant progress in realizing the vision for our future in a collaborative environment. I will soon be communicating to you so that we could finalize the ‘workplans’ for the next 6 months and get started.

Thank you!

Address by CEC to the General Council of LAHDC Leh – 19th Sept. 2011

CEC’s address to CSR meeting in Leh on 29.09.2011

Dear friends,

It gives me immense pleasure in welcoming you all to Leh. I sincerely hope you will enjoy the unique topography’ the rich culture and the traditional hospitality of Ladakh and its people.

I take this opportunity to share with you some thoughts on the Development scenario of Leh District. I also hope that some aspects of this might interest you in your CSR initiative.

Historically, Ladakh has occupied a strategic position in the geo- politics of this region. From being an important trade center during the rule of the kings of Ladakh to gaining the status of an important tourist destination in recent years, the region has experienced several ups and downs, Ladakh’s cultural heritage and its social systems and mechanisms are an interesting episode of human interaction with nature, with characteristics like a judicious mix of optimum utilization of resources with due respect for conservation and a spirit of self –reliance with a strong sense of interdependence. Ladakhis, therefore, have a strong desire to preserve these values while embracing modern development and to enrich their heritage by imbibing democratic principles and universal human values as contained in the Indian constitution and the UN charter.

Ladakh has come a long way on the path of development and progress. Improved road connectivity, better infrastructural facilities and improved health care are some example. However, if we look back at the recent history, the period between India’s independence and the middle of 90’s would be remembered for the legacy of a centralized governance structure and a top – down approach to Development Planning. It is not that Development did not happen, but with little regard to people’s aspirations. The region got relegated to the margin as a ‘backward’ district of J&K, to be ‘administrated’ by Srinagar. Ladakhi resentment against an imposed governance structure led to demands for separation from J&K and granting of UT status for the region. The struggle intensified in 90’s till the enactment of LAHDC Act of 1995 followed by constitution of LAHDC Leh. Since then, this democratically elected autonomous body has been leading the process of Development Planning in the District. Although LAHDC remains constrained by several factors like its limited mandate, lacking capacities and so on, past 3 terms of this institution have led to marked improvements in quality and relevance of various programs. However, Development work continued to lack a proper sense of direction. LAHDC Leh, therefore, initiated a visioning process in 2005 in order to evolve a framework for coordinated action for achieving development goals based on the aspirations of the people of this region. As an outcome of this process, the District came up with a Vision Document entitled ‘Ladakh 2025’.

I would like to summarise here the key elements of ‘Ladakh 2025’.

‘Ladakh 2025’ envisions the emergence of Ladakh in next 10 to 15 years as ‘the best model of Hill Area Development and an ideal society with attributes like economic self – reliance, full employment, quality of life, equity and social justice, peace and freedom, respect for universal human values’. Under Economy, people of Ladakh envisage a central role for land based activities and adherence to the principle of self – reliance through a blend of traditional practices and modern scientific know – how. At the same time, other sectors of economy will be explored and utilized to optimum levels. Under ‘New Economy’, priority will be given to put Ladakh on the Industrial Map of the Nation through tapping local resources (including arts and crafts) and by promoting entrepreneurship, enabling the use of I.T. for employment generation and scaling up tourism to benefit more people, particularly in rural areas. However, conservation of the fragile eco – system, preservation of cultural values and equitable distribution of resources as well as benefits of Development will be primary considerations in our endeavor for economic development. Whereas Leh Town and Block HQs will be provided with modern civic amenities, efforts will be made to make the Village a happy place to live, with availability of all basic facilities. While water resources will be well preserved and judiciously used, reliable and affordable power supply will be assured with particular focus on use of renewable sources. On Education, ‘Ladakh 2025’ aims at building the human resource in every child to full potential through harmonious use of our natural resources and under the guidance of our cultural resources. It also envisages a holistic Heath scenario encompassing physical, mental, social and ecological well – being. It envisages for Ladakh a society firmly upholding its core social and cultural values and preserving its heritage, monuments, arts, crafts. On Planning and Governance, the existing processes and mechanisms will be enabled to match the spirit of Panchayati Raj through promoting Micro Level Planning and strengthening democratic governance structures at village and block levels. In short, economic development will be pursued with due consideration to social networks, the ‘new economy’ will be spearheaded by I.T. and the social infrastructure will be based on principles of equity and participatory governance.

Currently, we are engaged in a strategy development process aimed at bringing the ‘District Plan’ (and other programs) in line with the goals and principles of ‘Ladakh 2025’. We also propose to avail the 12^th FYP period to bring about a strategic thrust on our development plans and programs to fulfill these goals and to strengthen these principles. We have completed a round of preliminary exercises involving our Hon’ble Councilors and HODs with the help of TISS, SDTT and IDBI. We expect other national and international organizations to participate and provide technical and financial support in the process. The next 6 months (between October 2011 and March 2012) will be crucial as we shall be finalizing our thematic priorities through a participatory process, negotiating the framework with Govt. of J&K and Planning Commission, and developing proposals for programs under various sectors so as to be able to start their implementation from April 2012 onwards.

It may be premature for me to speak on the framework likely to emerge for implementation during 12^th FYP. Issues are closely interlinked and surrounded with complexities. New themes are also emerging, e.g., Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation (you are all well aware of the havoc caused around Leh by the flashfood in August 2010). However, we seem to be faced with the urgency to deal with 3 key themes before moving on to others. These themes are livelihoods, Education and Governance. I would now like to briefly comment on these themes.

‘Livelihoods’ is the key area of concern in which we have to set our priorities right. Ladakh’s economy was and is predominantly agriculture based, though new avenues like tourism, services, Labour work, etc. have led to considerable diversifications. Agriculture in Ladakh is highly labour intensive and there are now less number of people working in our fields than before. Yet, there has been a significant rise in vegetable cultivation and dairying in certain pockets. However, factors like growing alienation of young people from farming activities, slow pace of progress on farm mechanization and a continuing lack of strategy on crop choices (and to respond to market demands) have contributed to a stagnation or even decline in agriculture. On the other hand, import of consumables is on constant rise. Some progress has been made on value addition to products like Pashmina, Apricots and Tsestalulu (Seabuck thorne) but the existing policy environment has not fully succeeded to enthuse or attract our young and educated entrepreneurs and workers towards this direction Tourism (despite being unpredictable) is on a sharp rise (with increasing inflow of domestic tourists) but it continues to be seasonal. Moreover, we are yet to tap the full potential of this sector (particularly on themes like pilgrimage, Medical, Winter, Nature, Eco and conference tourism) and to disseminate the benefits of tourism to rural areas. Also, handicrafts, particularly linked to tourism, is yet to take off in the right direction. Under IT, we are yet to explore its potential for employment generation. Linked to this, promotion of viable Small Scale Industries and generation of thermal and solar energy are other areas of economy requiring strategic focus.

Education has been a major cause of concern. In primary and secondary education, despite an impressive budget (around Rs. 20,000 per child per year) and a teacher student ratio (of 1:5), govt. schools are unable to show results and to check the fast declining enrolment. Under Higher and Technical Education, Leh District (with a Degree college, an ITI and a Polytechnic) caters to only around 5% of its eligible youth while thousands of our students are enrolled in institutions outside Ladakh (with diminishing hopes for their prospects within the District). Since there is very little emphasis on occupational orientation in our Education system, there is a high degree of mismatch between skills produced and required in the Market. Currently, the District is faced with the problem of growing unemployment among educated and semi – educated youth (around 8%) while it imports thousands of skilled and semi- skilled workers from other parts of India (and Nepal) during summer every year. The situation of governance and planning is equally grim. The period before the emergence of LAHDCs in Ladakh was characterized by the highhandedness of bureaucrats and ‘experts’ with no space for local institutions, wisdom and aspirations. Things changed when LAHDC was constituted. However, in the absence of PRIs (and their constitutional mandate) in J&K, the old legacy of a top down approach continues to exist in one form or the other. LAHDC Leh believes that villages are not only a source of information and aspiration for various stakeholders, they are the primary actors of Development as well. We, therefore, envisage a governance structure in which people and their institutions occupy the center – stage of Development Planning and all matters of village/ community development (including provision of most services) are looked after by Gram Panchayats. Formulation of Micro Level Plans (MLP) alongwith a 5 year Perspective Plan under NREGA as a collaborative effort of LAHDC Leh, TISS and DRDA Leh was an important landmark in our endeavor to switch over to a decentralized planning process. As a result of recent Panchayat elections in J&K, we now have village Panchayats while Block Development Councils (BDCs) are expected to be constituted soon. In view of this, LAHDC Leh would like to accelerate efforts on empowering PRIs and evolving a participatory Development Model based on the concept of perspectives and plans emerging from Gram Sabhas and constituting the core of our sectoral programs and the ‘District Plan’.

We expect to be able to evolve a roadmap for effectively addressing some of the key issues facing development of Leh District (including those outlined above) in the next 5 years. With the hope that you would consider your participation in some aspects of our programs in the years to come, I once again welcome you all to Ladakh and wish you a comfortable and memorable stay as well as a fruitful meeting on the theme of CSR. I also thank you for giving me an opportunity to share with you some thoughts on the development scenario of Leh District.

Thank You.

Rigzin Spalbar

Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC Leh.

Speech at Workshops on 'Practising Responsible Tourism' Organised by Eco-Tourism Society of India (ESOI) in partnership with J&K Tourism, Leh, 30 Sept

Tourism Potential and Development in Ladakh

Respected Delegates,

On behalf of LAHDC Leh and the people of Leh District, I welcome you all and express my happiness that this workshop on the theme of ‘Practicing Responsible Tourism’ is happening here in Leh at an opportune time. I would call it opportune as we at LAHDC Leh with our Hon’ble Councilors and HoDs in the lead, are currently engaged in a strategy development process aimed at streamlining our existing Development plans and programs in order to accelerate our efforts on realizing the goals of ‘Ladakh 2025’ – our vision. Deliberations of this workshop and your recommendations for putting in place Responsible Tourism Development practices would, therefore, have a direct bearing on our exercises in setting our priorities in the Tourism sector.

Tourism in Ladakh has come a long way since 1974 when Govt. of India allowed foreigners to this region. Many of us still remember interesting episodes of those early days of Tourism when we received foreign tourists with warmth and excitement but with very few facilities available. And then people started responding to this new chapter in the history of our economy – homes were converted into guest house, Taxiwalas became active and shopkeepers started stocking things of tourist needs and, with the help of an incentivisation program of the Govt., hotels and travel agencies started mushrooming, Today, Tourism is an integral part of Ladakh’s economy. Whereas the Department of Tourism in Leh played a proactive role during the early phase, several new actors have emerged on the scene now. It is hearting to see that almost 40 years down the line, tourism industry is thriving, with locals actively participating in and benefiting from the trade. However, from the point of view of LAHDC Leh, I am reminded of the fact that we are yet to evolve a coherent strategy which guides us into a future of Tourism Industry assuring sustainable and equitable distribution of its benefits without jeopardizing our environment, culture and social systems. As we know, Tourism represents an economic activity dependent upon a number of factors – mostly outside local control. Yet, it is our responsibility to ensure that we effectively manage the quantity and quality of tourist inflow without getting into environmental and social problems. It is in this context that I consider today’s workshop as crucial and expect the participants to come up with a framework for the future of tourism industry in Ladakh which helps LAHDC Leh and its plans (and the District Plan in particular) to take into account the social, cultural and economic realities of Ladakhi society while taking the full advantage of experiences elsewhere.

This workshop seems to be dvelving on a range of topics involving major stakeholders of Responsible Tourism. Apart from a high level representation of Govt. of J&K (by none other than Mr. Rigzin Jora, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Culture) and Govt. of India (through Mr. Khwaja, Secretary Tourism), Department of Tourism and wildlife in Leh are participating. ALTOA and LTTA, SLC, WWF, ITBP, INTACH, LIP, NIRLAC are important local actors. Moreover, we have representation from CGH Earth, M.P Eco – Tourism Board, Kanchanzongkha Conservation Committee and several consultants sharing their knowledge and experience (particularly on Best Practices) and, of courses, SOI organizing the workshop. It is, therefore, natural for me to have high expectations from this workshop. I would like to avail the remaining time available to me in drawing your attention to three suggestions to enhance the relevance of this workshop to Ladakhi situation.

1. The first point I would like to make is a reference to ‘Ladakh 2025’ – the Vision Document of Leh District. ‘Ladakh 2025’ envisages a future which ensures that tourists are connected to the unique topographical advantage and cultural heritage of Ladakh without endangering its fragile eco- system while scaling up tourism to contribute to the economic and social well being of the people of this region. The vision document suggests a set of four strategies to achieve this goal: (a). Improving infrastructures, (b). Building local capacities, (c). Expanding the Tourism Package and (d). Preserving Ladakh’s pristine beauty.

The vision document also makes certain specific suggestions for achieving these goals. It would help us if this workshop comments on the statements made by the vision document (alongwith their shortcomings, if any, from the point of view of ‘Responsible Tourism’).

2. The second point is about the need to focus on our Natural resources and Cultural resources together with our Human resources (and their perceptions, values and actions). In Ladakh, the interface between human beings and the Nature has been that of harmony with each other. Irresponsible Development in the past few decades is more to be blamed for the neglect and misuse of our natural and cultural assets. However, we are a society in transition as well. It would be a pity if instead of being a live example of our harmony with nature and within ourselves, we may have to narrate to the tourist a few nostalgic moments from what a caring society we used to be. I believe that in our social fabric, these values are very much alive, though our institutions and mechanisms may have given way to new methods of doing things. In regions like Ladakh, ‘Responsible Tourism’, therefore, needs to be built on this human resource, with technology and legislation complementing the efforts of local knowledge, institutions and their mechanisms.

3. The third point concerns the issue of ensuring sustainable and equitable benefits from Tourism. There is a general perception that tourism plays a very significant role in the economy of Leh District. How significant and for whom? we are not so sure! At present, we don’t have reliable data on how much income does Tourism bring to the local population. According to one estimate (guestimate !), Tourism represents an economy of around Rs. 60 crores per annum (with about 1500 business establishments and 4000 jobs created during the season). This means an average income of around Rs. 1.20 lacs for about 25% households in the District. If we assume that 50% of this goes to rural households, we are talking about around 2000 Households (12%) benefiting from Tourism, which is not significant.

I was recently going through the report of MLP (2010) which shows an average of 5% contribution of Tourism to the Rural Economy, as perceived by villagers. Out of 90 villages where MLP exercises were done, 59 (65%) consider Tourism as not contributing to their economy at all. Even in around 20 villages (20%) mentioning tourism as playing an important role, more than 70% households consider it as marginally contributing. In other words, more than 35 years after Tourism was introduced in Ladakh, the sector is yet to impact Livelihoods of most villages.

There are other issues to be resolved: Tourism has close links with various other sectors, particularly culture, industries, employment, wildlife and handcrafts. There is, therefore, a need to look at the presence of such linkages in the District Plan and State Plan in order to ascertain the complimentarity of sectors to one another. Tourism in Ladakh continues as an economic activity confined to 3 – 4 months of summer (the peak time of agricultural and other types of activities as well) and this inhibits ‘full involvement’ of Ladakh’s population in tourism related work. This ‘seasonality’ of Tourism sector puts an immense pressure on infrastructure, basic services (particularly health care), the eco – system and the social fabric of Ladakh (and possibly the psyche of the local population as well). There is, therefore, a need to adequately understand processes involved in tourism development and locate the sector appropriately in the overall economic framework of Ladakh and mitigate its social and environmental impacts while maximizing its benefits to more and more people within Ladakhi society.

Thanks to a vigorous campaign by J&K Tourism under the able leadership of Mr. Rigzin Jora, we had a record number of domestic tourists this year. In fact, the number of visitors (around 1.50 lacs) exceeded the local population (around 1.20 lacs). Currently, under Leh Development Authority and with the help of Tourism Ministry of GoI, a number of infrastructural projects under Destination Development and Integrated Development of Tourism Circuits are being built. Moreover, a Foodcrafts Institute (FCI) is under construction in Leh. These initiatives are expected to boost Tourism further. However, as I mentioned before, there is an urgency to develop effective strategies to take tourism to the village. In this context, we are already considering two measures, First, we would like to initiate special drives / campaigns / initiatives on matters arising from the interface between ‘Tourism, Culture and Environment’ and strengthening of ‘thematic focus’ in Tourism (atleast 10 themes appear to be relevant to tourism in Ladakh – Adventure, Pilgrimage / Religious / Spiritual, cultural, Nature, Medical, Ecological, Developmental, winter, Leisure, conference and Agricultural). Second, we would like to encourage village communities and village leadership to take their own initiatives to attract tourists. This would be done through provision of funds to PRIs and capacity building work, etc. It would help us a lot if this workshop comes up with recommendations on how to expand the benefits of Tourism to rural areas.

I thank ESOI, the organizers of this workshop, for giving me the time to share my thoughts on the theme. Lastly, I thank all participants and guests for their participation and express my hope that very useful ideas will emerge from this workshop.

Thank you,

Rigzin Spalbar

Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC Leh.