Ganga calls for sustained effort to promote Ladakhi products

Minister for Industries & Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga during his visit to TRC at Leh on Saturday.
Minister for Industries & Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga during his visit to TRC at Leh on Saturday.

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, June 24:  Minister for Industries & Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga today chaired a review meeting of the Departments/ Corporations of Leh district which are under the Ministry of Industries & Commerce.
While reviewing the progress of various sectors in Ladakh, the Minister said that to explore the handicrafts and handloom of J&K at national and international level the Government will launch separate websites for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions with special focus on local products to ensure proper recognition to the work of the artisans of the respective regions besides economic benefits to the whole State.
He said handloom and handicraft is a very important sector in Jammu and Kashmir and the Government will pay focused attention to promote it appropriately at local and national level. He maintained that Government owned outlets across India will facilitate the local goods of a particular area for promotion and sale.
Highlighting the importance of diverse designs, Minister stressed on the need to have the distinct design of the respective area to maintain its different identity. To give boost to the small scale industries, he called upon the banks to make loan process flexible in order to encourage the entrepreneurs of small scale industries in the Ladakh region.
To encourage the working women in Ladakh, the Minister stressed the need for more steps to impart skill development training so that they can avail benefits of various Government schemes.  He also stressed the need for value addition in the local products which will facilitate the goods to find easy market.
CEC LAHDC Leh Dr Sonam Dawa Lonpo, speaking on the occasion raised the issue of transmission line at the industrial area and also requested for funding for an ambitious Trade Facility Centre at Phyang. He further updated the Minister about the existing 8 groups of artisans at Changthang who are working on Pashmina products. He expressed hope for completion of a new high capable Pashmina De-hairing Unit by the end of this year which will help in further boosting Pashmina industries in Ladakh.
Later, the Minister also visited Laktsal unit at TRC main market and appreciated the local products made by the artisans of Ladakh for fabricating quality products. He encouraged the artisans and hoped that the quality of the products will further improve the financial status of the area.