STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, emphasised the crucial role of financial institutions in driving holistic and sustainable development, especially in remote and ecologically fragile regions like Ladakh.
He said banks serve as catalysts of socio-economic progress by enabling aspirations, entrepreneurship, and long-term community empowerment. “Expanding banking services forms the bedrock of true empowerment, enabling economic self-reliance and inclusive growth,” he noted.
The Lt Governor was speaking at the launch and sensitisation programme for the Focused Rural Development Project and the Holistic Rural Development Project, supported by HDFC Bank Parivartan and implemented by Himmotthan Society. The initiatives will cover 35 revenue villages across Changthang, Nimoo, and several border areas of Ladakh.
The three-year programme aims to enhance the quality of life for nearly 3,000 families through sustainable and climate-resilient development. Major interventions include strengthening Village Development Committees, constructing improved solar greenhouses and artificial glaciers, renovating irrigation canals and water reservoirs, installing automated weather stations and solar photovoltaic systems, developing smart schools, and organising community health camps.
Commending HDFC Bank’s CSR outreach in Changthang and Sham Valley, Kavinder noted that the project is expected to benefit more than 2,500 households, particularly nomadic communities and small farmers. He said that targeted interventions in livelihoods, agriculture, water security, renewable energy, health, and education would help build resilience against climate-related challenges.
He stressed that community participation remains central to Ladakh’s development model, expressing confidence in panchayats, women’s SHGs, youth and grassroots institutions. Beyond infrastructure, he highlighted the project’s emphasis on capacity building to ensure long-term sustainability. “Such efforts lay a strong foundation for future generations of Ladakh,” he said.
The Lt Governor praised HDFC Bank and Himmotthan Society for focusing on Ladakh’s underserved regions, calling the initiative “an example of corporate responsibility toward strengthening border communities.” He assured full administrative support for timely implementation.
During the event, he visited stalls showcasing products from artisans, SHGs and FPOs, and felicitated Apricot and Vegetable FPO representatives. Senior officials, NGO representatives, community leaders and members of HDFC and Tata Trusts were also present.