STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to building a self-reliant and economically empowered Ladakh, where every citizen has access to opportunities for growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
He said that the vision of Atmanirbhar Ladakh can only be realized through inclusive development, ensuring participation of women, youth, artisans, and marginalized communities. “Economic empowerment is the key to self-reliance, and every step taken today will shape the future of Ladakh as a model of sustainable development,” he stated.
The Lt Governor was speaking at the Loan Distribution Ceremony organized by the Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO) at the Rural Development Department Hall, Agling, Leh.
Addressing beneficiaries and entrepreneurs, he said the event marks a milestone in Ladakh’s journey toward financial inclusion and self-sufficiency. He appreciated SIDCO for successfully implementing schemes that encourage citizens to move from dependency to entrepreneurship.
Highlighting Ladakh’s economic growth, Gupta informed that over 13,600 MSME units have been established, creating employment for more than 50,000 individuals.
Additionally, 147 Industrial Estate Units are now operational, generating new opportunities for local manufacturing and small-scale industries. These achievements, he said, reflect the determination of Ladakh’s people to drive the Union Territory’s progress.
The Lt Governor commended SIDCO for promoting empowerment among weaker sections, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, minorities, persons with disabilities, and sanitation workers.
He lauded SIDCO’s initiatives such as the Virasat Scheme for traditional artisans, the Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana (AMSY) for empowering tribal women, and the Educational Loan Scheme for students. Loans are being provided at concessional rates between 4% and 10%, ensuring wider access to credit.
He further informed that 89 beneficiaries in Leh and 48 in Kargil have been approved for loans worth Rs 16.17 crore. Additionally, 4,188 artisans have been registered under the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, while ‘Brand Ladakh’ showrooms in Leh and Delhi are showcasing Made in Ladakh products. Under SIDCO’s programmes, Rs 1.19 crore has been provided as seed capital to women Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Encouraging youth to become job creators, Gupta urged them to leverage government initiatives such as PMEGP, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, and Start-Up India.
Concluding, he said, “Each beneficiary must treat this loan not just as support but as a responsibility to fulfill their dreams and contribute to Ladakh’s progress.”
The ceremony also featured addresses by Secretary Bhupesh Chaudhary, IAS, and Senior Managing Director Sonam Norboo, with officials including Secretary Higher Education Bhanu Prabha, and DC Leh Romil Singh Donk, in attendance.