Kargil, April 25, 2026: Prithul Kumar, Joint Secretary (Broadcasting), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, today held an important review meeting with officers and staff of Akashvani from Kargil and Leh to assess operational challenges and chart measures for strengthening local broadcasting services.
The meeting was attended by Gurbinder Singh, DDG, Akashvani Srinagar; Sonam Angchuk, ADP, Akashvani Leh; Khurshid Ahmad, Head of News, Akashvani Leh & Kargil; and DD Leh, along with other officials and staff.
Detailed deliberations focused on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of Akashvani Kargil. Key issues discussed included concerns over the shifting of a sanctioned administrative post from Kargil to Leh, which has led to functional constraints; the need for establishing a separate cluster with allied stations; initiation of a Programme Generating Facility (PGF) at Kargil; expansion of locally produced programmes; and strengthening manpower to better serve regional languages, culture, and public interest.
The meeting underscored the urgency of administrative reforms at Akashvani Kargil, including restoration of Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) powers to prevent delays in artist payments and contractual processes, and the appointment of a separate Cluster Head for Akashvani Kargil to address region-specific operational requirements.
Participants also emphasized the introduction of morning programmes in Purgi and other local dialects, alongside hiring local cultural experts and artists to enhance authenticity and relevance. Increasing local content was highlighted as essential for preserving and promoting Kargil’s unique art, language, and cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, the Joint Secretary noted the high value placed by the people of Kargil on radio content and highlighted the district’s unique geography and strategic location as strong reasons to further strengthen radio transmission. He observed that Kargil’s distinct linguistic and cultural mosaic deserves focused preservation and promotion, and that radio can serve as a vital historical and cultural repository for the region.
Assuring prompt action, the Joint Secretary stated that all feasible and necessary steps would be taken to address the projected demands and grievances, and to further strengthen radio infrastructure and administrative mechanisms.
Earlier, the Joint Secretary also held a brief meeting with Mohd Hanifa Jan, Member of Parliament, Ladakh, during which similar issues and grievances related to Akashvani Kargil were discussed.
In addition, Arif Ladakhi, on behalf of the Dard Aryan Community, submitted a memorandum demanding the origination of programmes in Brokskat. Separately, compères, announcers, and artists of Akashvani Kargil also presented a memorandum seeking restoration of the DDG post, redressal of pending payment issues, and the commencement of morning transmissions.
