- Artisans, entrepreneurs & SHGs to benefit immensely: LG Mishra
Leh, Sept 15: In a significant development which is set to benefit the artisans, entrepreneurs and Self Help Groups of Ladakh, particularly in the rural areas of the region, Union Minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Jitan Ram Manjhi has inaugurated the Centre for Rural Enterprise Acceleration through Technology (CREATE) at Leh developed by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and Department of Industries and Commerce, UT Ladakh.
Minister of State (MoS), MSME, Shobha Karandlaje and Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) were present on this historic occasion, even as Chairman, KVIC, Ministry of MSME, GoI, Manoj Kumar; Secretary, Ministry of MSME, GoI, SCL Das, IAS; Advisor to the LG, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS; Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, UT Ladakh, Sanjiv Khirwar, IAS; officials from MSME, KVIC, Industries & Commerce Department of UT Ladakh, members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and entrepreneurs from Ladakh also attended the event virtually.
Appreciating the Ministry of MSME, GoI, led by Jitan Ram Manjhi for its cooperation for the benefit and development of Ladakh, the LG stated that the livelihood means of small enterprises in Ladakh, which are engaged in traditional handloom and handicraft practices, have been enhanced due to its cooperation.
Stating that Pashmina has become synonymous with Ladakh, the LG mentioned that the inauguration of CREATE at Leh will improve the livelihood and skills of artisans, entrepreneurs and SHGs engaged with it.
Terming Pashmina’s business as delicate, he highlighted the challenges involved in pashmina business, especially less profit and the mortality rate of pashmina goats in a challenging terrain like Ladakh’s.
The LG highlighted initiatives taken by the UT Administration to reduce the mortality rate of Pashmina goat kids by distributing around 1,000 Pashmina kid pens to the beneficiaries and the directions given to veterinary doctors to conduct regular check-ups of the Pashmina goats and providing bottles to the rearers to feed the Pashmina goat kids to meet the nutrition needs.
The LG also informed the Union Minister that the Pashmina Dehairing Plant would soon be installed in Leh. He also highlighted the initiatives taken by the UT Administration of Ladakh to connect apricots with tourism activities by organising the Ladakh Apricot Festival during spring to attract more tourists.
The LG highlighted the chain created from apricot products to benefit people from rural areas of Ladakh and efforts being made to improve the packaging of sea buckthorn products from Ladakh to improve the livelihood of people engaged in this field.
He informed the Union Minister about the setting up of the Milk Pasteurisation Plant at Leh and Kargil to meet the requirements of the local population and the defence staff.
Highlighting the contribution of tourism activities to UT Ladakh’s economy and the engagement of a large section of Ladakhi section in this field, the LG highlighted the Ladakh Homestay Policy initiated by the UT Administration and its benefit as a means of livelihood to the people in rural areas.
Highlighting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to create Lakhpati Didis across the nation, the LG stated that he also aims to create Lakhpati Didis in Ladakh in the newly declared five districts of the region with the help of the district officials so that these women can contribute to the region’s economy and development.
The LG hoped for continued support from the Ministry of MSME, GoI, for Ladakh’s overall development.
Union Minister, MSME, GoI, Jitan Ram Manjhi stated that the establishment of CREATE in Ladakh would help in the region’s development, particularly the promotion of Pashmina.
Stating that life is hard in a challenging region like Ladakh, Manjhi emphasised that the establishment of CREATE is a step towards helping the people of Ladakh, who live at more than 11,000ft, by providing them with employment opportunities and improving their living conditions- which is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of uplifting and empowering the poor and the underprivileged through schemes such as PM Vishwakarma, etc.
Manjhi commended the LG-led UT Administration for the initiatives to reduce the mortality rate of Pashmina goat kids. Stating that Khadi is a part of the daily lives of Indians, Manjhi asked the government officials to work sincerely for its promotion. He also assured to provide all possible assistance for Ladakh’s development.
Terming the day ‘historic’ and a new step for Ladakh’s overall development, the Chairman of KVIC, Manoj Kumar stated that the establishment of the Center would create new job opportunities for the people of Ladakh. Stating that the world’s finest Pashmina is found in Ladakh, Manoj mentioned that the Centre would benefit SHGs and entrepreneurs engaged in this field. He also mentioned that skill enhancement trainings would be provided to SHGs and entrepreneurs at the Centre.
Advisor to the LG, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS, highlighted the assistance provided by the Ministry of MSME and the challenges faced by the SHGs engaged in making Pashmina products. He also highlighted initiatives taken by the UT Administration to boost rural livelihood.
Short films on Atmanirbhar Ladakh: Showcasing Entrepreneurial Potential and Ladakh Pashmina: The World’s Finest were also screened during the event.
Earlier, Secretary, MSME, GoI, SCL Das, welcomed the guests while CEO, KVIC, Vinit Kumar gave the vote of thanks.
