Second Day of Nubra Valley Visit: Secretary Rural Development reviews Anganwadi Services, Public Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects.

Second Day of Nubra Valley Visit: Secretary Rural Development reviews Anganwadi Services, Public Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects.
Nubra, June 13, 2026: On the second day of her ongoing visit to Nubra Valley, Secretary, Rural Development Department, Ms. Nidhi Malik, IAS, conducted an extensive field inspection across Hunder and Partapur to review the progress of key developmental projects and assess the delivery of essential public services. The visit focused on strengthening early childhood care systems, improving educational infrastructure, monitoring rural development works, and enhancing connectivity projects aimed at ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth across the region.
Accompanied by the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Nubra, and the Block Development Officer (BDO), the Secretary reviewed the implementation status of various schemes and projects at the grassroots level. Detailed briefings were provided on ongoing developmental works, achievements, and challenges being faced in the field, with emphasis laid on timely execution, quality standards, transparency, and effective service delivery.
The day commenced with inspections of Anganwadi Centres at Hunder Ombay and Partapur. During the visit, a comprehensive review was undertaken of nutrition support services, pre-school education activities, infrastructure facilities, sanitation standards, and childcare arrangements being provided at the centres. Particular attention was given to the implementation of child welfare and nutrition programmes and the overall functioning of the Anganwadi system in these remote areas.
Interacting with Anganwadi workers and field staff, Ms. Malik emphasized the critical importance of strengthening early childhood care and development services. She stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted nutritional support and quality early learning opportunities for children, recognizing the pivotal role of Anganwadi Centres in laying the foundation for children’s education, health, and holistic development.
During the inspection, it was brought to notice that the posts of Palna Worker and Palna Helper at one of the centres have remained vacant following the resignation of the incumbent staff. Officials informed that despite repeated advertisements for the Helper post, no eligible candidate submitted an application within the stipulated timeline. Approval for advertisement of the Palna Worker post has been sought from the competent authority and is presently under process. The vacancies have remained unfilled for the past five months, largely due to the limited honorarium associated with the positions, making recruitment difficult. The Secretary directed the concerned authorities to pursue the matter proactively and ensure that the vacancies are filled at the earliest so that childcare services are not adversely affected.
The Secretary also inspected the Public Library projects being constructed by the Rural Development Department at Partapur and Hunder, which are proposed to be inaugurated shortly by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor. At Partapur, she reviewed the progress of civil works, construction quality, and the facility’s future role as a community learning and educational resource. Officials informed that the construction work has reached an advanced stage and is nearing completion. The Secretary directed the executing agencies to complete the remaining finishing works in a time-bound manner.
A similar inspection was carried out at the Public Library project in Hunder, where approximately 80 percent of the construction work has been completed. The Secretary was informed that the remaining civil works are progressing satisfactorily and are expected to be completed shortly. She directed the concerned agencies to expedite the final stages of construction and initiate the procurement of furniture and other essential furnishings so that both libraries can be made fully operational at the earliest.
Highlighting the significance of these facilities, Ms. Malik underscored the role of public libraries in promoting a culture of reading, improving access to information, supporting academic pursuits, and creating inclusive learning spaces for students, youth, and the wider community, particularly in remote and high-altitude regions.
The visit also included an inspection of the ongoing Yokmapa–Hiker Hut Sand Dunes Link Road project in Hunder, an important connectivity initiative aimed at improving internal mobility and strengthening tourism-related infrastructure in the region. Officials informed that nearly 50 percent of the project work has been completed. A detailed assessment of the site was undertaken, focusing on construction progress, quality standards, alignment, and adherence to engineering specifications.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the road in facilitating tourist movement and improving access to key destinations in Nubra Valley, the Secretary directed the executing agency to accelerate the pace of work while maintaining the highest quality standards to ensure timely completion of the project.
Throughout the visit, Ms. Malik emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and quality in project execution. She instructed field-level officers to undertake regular monitoring of developmental works, promptly address implementation bottlenecks, and ensure efficient utilization of public resources for maximum community benefit.
The Secretary also acknowledged the dedication and commitment of field functionaries working under challenging geographical and climatic conditions. Their efforts in ensuring the uninterrupted implementation of welfare schemes and developmental programmes in remote and high-altitude areas were highly appreciated.
The visit reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure, enhancing child welfare services, expanding educational opportunities, and improving connectivity across Nubra Valley. It also reflected the continued focus of the Rural Development Department on promoting inclusive, sustainable, and people-centric development throughout the region.