Administrative Secretary, Industries and Commerce, UT Ladakh, Bhupesh Chaudhary, IAS, chaired an interaction meeting with entrepreneurs and stakeholders of Ladakh on March 11 at the Conference Hall of the District Industries Centre (DIC), Leh.

The meeting began with an introductory session of entrepreneurs, stakeholders and officers from the Industries and Commerce Department of both Leh and Kargil districts. The interaction aimed to encourage entrepreneurs, understand their concerns and create awareness about various schemes and opportunities available through the department.

During the meeting, Zahira, Functional Manager, DIC Leh, briefed the participants about various schemes of the Department of Industries and Commerce and their benefits. He also addressed several queries and clarified doubts raised by stakeholders regarding the schemes and their implementation.

While interacting with the participants, the Administrative Secretary instructed the concerned officers to organise workshops and awareness programmes for entrepreneurs and interested individuals to enhance their knowledge about government schemes, their benefits, opportunities and the process of availing them.

He also informed the entrepreneurs and stakeholders about the 15 Common Facility Centres (CFCs) established across both districts of Ladakh. He encouraged entrepreneurs to utilise these centres as production units, stating that the CFCs would help strengthen product branding, maintain quality standards and support pollution control measures.

The Administrative Secretary further emphasised that Ladakh is an organic region and advised entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in organic products and obtain organic certification. He encouraged them to actively take advantage of various government schemes and initiatives to expand their enterprises.

During the interaction, entrepreneurs and stakeholders raised several issues and queries related to Common Facility Centres, organic certification, online portals, society registration processes, land allotment, solar subsidies, banking support, and delivery and transportation, among other concerns.

Taking note of the issues raised, the Administrative Secretary directed the District Industries Centres of both Leh and Kargil to convene meetings with banks and the post office to address concerns related to financial services and other operational matters. He also instructed the DICs of both districts to conduct regular training programmes and awareness initiatives for entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals to familiarise them with government schemes and their benefits.

The Administrative Secretary said the main objective of the meeting was to motivate entrepreneurs, enhance awareness about government schemes and their beneficiaries, and encourage individuals to utilise their skills and resources for the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ladakh.