LG Saxena calls for strengthening Ladakh institutions to curb student migration

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday underscored the need to curb the migration of students from Ladakh to other states for education by strengthening local institutions.
Saxena was speaking at the University of Ladakh where he reviewed academic, research and infrastructure facilities and interacted with faculty and students. He was welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Prof Saket Kushwaha, Secretary Higher Education Bhanu Prabha, and faculty members.

He noted that studying outside the region often places financial strain on families and may expose students to adverse influences. The LG stressed the importance of enhancing the University’s academic standards and courses to attract both local and outstation students, thereby fostering a vibrant academic ecosystem.
He also stated that increased footfall of students from outside Ladakh would help dispel misconceptions about the region’s challenging climate and terrain, while simultaneously boosting tourism.

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Outlining his vision, Saxena emphasised the development of the University of Ladakh as a “Green University.” He called for sustained plantation drives and sought the University’s active cooperation in achieving the target of increasing Ladakh’s green cover to five percent within the next two years.

He visited the Central Library and the Artificial Intelligence Data Centre, and also inspected exhibition stalls showcasing locally developed agricultural and technological products, including medicinal plants and millet-based items.
At the AWaDH Centre, the Lieutenant Governor witnessed a demonstration of Ladakh-specific Modelling and Space Applications (LAMA), along with a presentation by students of the Forensic Science Laboratory, who demonstrated sample collection, mapping, and on-the-spot testing techniques.

Addressing the faculty and staff, Saxena expressed satisfaction over the infrastructure and academic environment at the University, describing the laboratories and facilities as exemplary. He noted that the University holds immense potential for growth and encouraged further strengthening of specialised areas such as forensic sciences.
Saxena emphasised Ladakh’s immense opportunities in sectors such as tourism, food industry, handicrafts, handloom and floriculture. He remarked that only a fraction of Ladakh’s tourism potential has been explored and called for concerted efforts to develop the region into a global tourism hub, with active support from the University of Ladakh.
The Lieutenant Governor assured full support of the UT Administration in strengthening the University and transforming it into one of the premier institutions in the country, equipped with world-class infrastructure and modern teaching facilities.