Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launches development initiatives in Ladakh.

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, virtually launched multiple development initiatives on Sunday in Leh, Ladakh, as part of her four-day trip to the Union Territory. The Ministry of Finance stated that this reiterates the Government of India’s dedication to inclusive growth and infrastructure advancement in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The Finance Minister of the Union engaged with the officials from the administration of the Union Territory. On the second day of her trip, she spoke to an audience at the Credit Outreach Programme in Leh and presented sanction letters from banks to recipients of different Central Government schemes.

During the Credit Outreach, beneficiaries received loans totaling ₹5.13 crore through various schemes such as PM MUDRA, PM Vishwakarma, PMEGP, PM Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PM FME), and Joint Liability Group (JLG) loans. The Union minister also attended an exhibition showcasing local handicrafts and handloom items produced by Self Help Groups (SHG) and Local Entrepreneurs in Leh.

Sitharaman engaged with local entrepreneurs, women-led SHGs, and artisans displaying traditional crafts, handloom textiles, and sustainable innovations at their booths. She valued the entrepreneurial mindset and creativity of the artisans, emphasizing their contribution to safeguarding cultural heritage and enhancing rural livelihoods in the Union Territory.

Minister Sitharaman met with Rinchen Dolma, a beneficiary of the PM Mudra Scheme, during her visit to an exhibition featuring local handicrafts and handloom items from Self Help Groups (SHG) and local entrepreneurs in Leh.

“What a spectacular drive there is in her to use a government scheme and showcase what she has grown. Very well done,” the FM said. Finance Minister Sitharaman encouraged Dolma in the PM Mudra Scheme, met with Ladakh officials, and visited Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa.