Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has inaugurated ‘Zhabstok Ladakh,’ a pioneering official youth internship portal designed to formalize the involvement of young individuals in governance and equip them with practical experience in public administration. This initiative aims to harness the energy and ideas of Ladakh’s youth to contribute to the region’s development and the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
The program, launched as part of Youth Month, will select 2,000 young people for a three-month internship across 25 departments within the Ladakh administration. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that these interns will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 5,000 during their tenure. Lieutenant Governor Saxena expressed confidence that the participation of young individuals, who form a significant portion of Ladakh’s population under 30, would invigorate and enhance the functioning of various government departments. He emphasized that Ladakh is poised to set an example for collaborative development between the government and its youth through this initiative.
The ‘Zhabstok Ladakh’ portal, accessible at internship.ladakh.gov.in, provides a unified platform for students and other young residents of the Union Territory to apply for internships. This direct engagement mechanism allows them to actively participate in the development process. The LG Yuva Internship Programme is scheduled for a formal rollout on September 17, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s birthday, which is observed as ‘Seva Diwas.’ The program seeks to move beyond conventional government-citizen interactions, establishing a structured framework for young people to become active partners in governance and community development initiatives.
Registration for the three-month internship program is slated to commence on August 22 and will continue until September 5. This will be followed by a document verification period from September 6 to September 14. The internship itself will begin on September 17, with the selection of 2,000 young participants. The monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 is intended to support the interns throughout the program. For those who demonstrate exceptional performance, there is a provision for extending their internship by an additional three months.
Upon successful completion of the internship, participants will be awarded certificates. These certificates are expected to bolster their academic and professional profiles, potentially enhancing their future employment prospects. The program is designed to offer interns invaluable exposure to the workings of the Union Territory administration. They will gain firsthand understanding of public administration, learning how policies are formulated and subsequently translated into tangible programs and projects on the ground. This hands-on experience is anticipated to foster a deeper appreciation for public service and contribute to the development of future leaders for Ladakh.
The initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to empowering the youth and integrating their perspectives into policy-making and implementation. By providing a structured avenue for engagement, ‘Zhabstok Ladakh’ aims to cultivate a generation of young citizens who are not only aware of governance processes but are also actively involved in shaping the future of their region. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that Ladakh, being a young region, possesses immense potential in its youth, who represent its greatest strength and hold the key to its future progress. The portal serves as a testament to this belief, offering a concrete pathway for young individuals to contribute their skills and innovative ideas towards addressing local challenges and driving socio-economic development.
The selection process will prioritize candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and possess the aptitude to contribute effectively within a governmental setting. The diverse range of departments involved in the internship program ensures that interns can explore various facets of public administration, from policy research and program management to community outreach and service delivery. This broad exposure is expected to provide interns with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and nuances of governance, preparing them for future roles in public service or other professional fields. The administration anticipates that the program will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among the youth towards the development of Ladakh, creating a lasting impact on both the participants and the region.
The launch of ‘Zhabstok Ladakh’ is a strategic move by the administration to bridge the gap between the aspirations of young people and the opportunities available within the government. It is envisioned as a continuous program that will evolve over time, incorporating feedback from interns and departments to further enhance its effectiveness. The success of this initiative will be measured not only by the number of participants but also by the quality of their contributions and the long-term impact on their career trajectories and the governance landscape of Ladakh. The administration has expressed its commitment to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure the smooth functioning of the internship program and to maximize its benefits for all stakeholders involved.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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