Jammu, Dec 29: In a major move to meet regional aspirations, Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to delegate powers to Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) for Leh and announced creation of a similar council for Kargil district within six months.

Announcing the decisions, which would empower LAHDC with greater financial and administrative powers, chief minister Mufti Sayeed told reporters today the council will have the powers to accord administrative clearance without obtaining techno-economic feasibility approval from the government up to Rs. 5 crore. The chief executive councillor of LAHDC will be given the status of a cabinet minister along with salary and perks.
Executive councillors will be given status of deputy minister for purposes of protocol only in Leh district, he said, adding they shall be given salary equivalent to that of an MLA.
The chief minister said executive powers will be delegated to the LAHDC for allotment, occupation, efficient use and management of land in Ladakh.

The LAHDC will be vested with powers of general superintendence and control over the employees of the council in the executive councillors as well, he said. Bureau Report