Leh, April 02, 2026: The Chief Secretary and Pro-Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Shri Ashish Kundra today visited the Taruthang Campus of the University of Ladakh, accompanied by Secretary, Higher Education, Ms Bhanu Prabha. The dignitaries were warmly received by Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh.
During the visit, Shri Kundra inspected various academic and research facilities of the campus and reviewed ongoing activities across departments and centres.
He first visited the Centralized Interdisciplinary Science Instrumentation Centre (CISIC), established with the support of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, the UT Administration of Ladakh including the Department of Wildlife Protection and Department of Agriculture, along with other national agencies.
At the centre, Shri Kundra interacted with researchers engaged in studies related to environment, water, and geology. He directed the concerned faculty and researchers to submit a detailed report on water analysis conducted in the Leh area as well as on the availability of rare earth minerals in UT Ladakh.
The Chief Secretary was also briefed on the ongoing activities under the ISRO LAMA Project, where various geo-spatial themes including agriculture, snow and glacier studies, urban growth, and related applications were demonstrated online.
Shri Kundra emphasized the need for the early launch of the LAMA Portal so that it can be effectively utilized by the district administration in planning and decision-making processes.
At the Department of Forensic Science, a mock crime scene investigation was recreated by the MSc students. Shri Kundra keenly observed the process and enquired about the methodologies adopted in presumptive evidence collection, as well as the role and use of the Mobile Forensic Van in the academic programme.
The visit also included a demonstration at the MeitY Laboratory, where students and faculty showcased the development of demand-driven prototypes. Shri Kundra appreciated the practical and innovation-oriented academic initiatives being undertaken by the university.
Later, he inspected the Central Library of Leh Campus, where he stressed the importance of updating records and enhancing the availability of e-resources for students and faculty.
During his interaction with students in classrooms, Shri Kundra enquired about the academic environment and the challenges faced by students, encouraging them to make full use of the university’s facilities and opportunities.
An interactive session with faculty members of both the Taru and Stakna Campuses was also held during the visit. A detailed presentation on the university’s academic, research, and institutional profile was delivered by Mr Nawang Tundup, Registrar, University of Ladakh.
During the session, the Chief Secretary interacted with faculty members individually and offered valuable suggestions regarding placement opportunities, internship modalities, and curriculum development to further strengthen the university’s academic ecosystem.
Shri Kundra also reviewed the progress of ongoing building projects on the campus and interacted with engineers of CPWD, directing them to submit a detailed report to his office for necessary follow-up action.
The Chief Secretary accompanied by Secretary, Higher Education, Bhanu Prabha; Dean Academic Affairs, Dr Subrat Sharma; Dean Research Studies, Dr Sonam Joldan; Dean School of Agriculture, Dr D. Namgyal; along with deans, faculty members, and staff of various schools were present.
