FM Sitharaman Inaugurates Major Development Projects in Ladakh

National News: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman during her 4-day visit to the Union Territory in Ladakh virtually inaugrated multiple number of development projects on Sunday. This reaffirms the GOI's commitment to infrastructure development and inclusive growth in the UT of Ladakh, according to the Ministry.
Additionally, the Union Finance Minister engaged with the administration of the Union Territory.

Credit Outreach Programs

Sitharaman spoke to a mass at the Credit Outreach Programme in Leh on the 2nd day of her 4 day visit to Union Territory in Ladakh and gave sanction letters to the beneficiaries of several Central Government programs. Under various central governemnt programs, such as PM MUDRA, PM Vishwakarma, PMEGP, PM Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PM FME), and Joint Liability Group (JLG) loans, beneficiaries received loans of Rs 5.13 crore.

Appreciation for Handicrafts and Women-led SHGs

The Union minister also saw a display of regional handicrafts and handloom goods made by Leh's local entrepreneurs and Self Help Groups (SHG).
She spoke with local business owners, women-led SHGs, and artists who had booths displaying handloom fabrics, traditional crafts, and sustainable technologies.
Sitharaman praised the artisans' inventiveness and spirit of entrepreneurship, emphasising their contribution to the Union Territory's rural livelihoods and cultural heritage preservation. When Minister visited a display of regional handicrafts and handloom goods made by Self Help Groups (SHG) and local entrepreneurs in Leh, she spoke with Rinchen Dolma, a recipient of the PM Mudra Scheme.

"She has a tremendous desire to use a government program to demonstrate her growth.  Excellent work," the FM said. She urged Dolma to expand her business and proceed to the next stage of the PM Mudra Scheme. A member of the Ladakh LS, Mohmad Haneefa, spoke with Finance Minister earlier on 14 June, Saturday. Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, a ex member of the Ladakh LS, also meet with the Union Finance Minister during outreach program. The Union Finance Minister was visited by a group of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Executive Councillors, led by Tashi Gyalson, the council's chairman and CEC.