Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra, along with First Lady Neelam Mishra, marked the inauguration of the 10-day Aadi Bazaar at Eco-Park in Leh on August 16.
Shantanu Saharan, the Regional Manager North of TRIFED (Tribal Co-Operative Marketing Development Federation of India), revealed that the Aadi Bazaar is being organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, TRIFED, and Tribes India in Leh.
Brigadier BD Mishra and First Lady Neelam Mishra explored the stalls showcasing handwoven textiles, organic goods, paintings, stone pottery, jewelry, and more, presented by artisans and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from Leh and Kargil.
Subsequently, the Lieutenant Governor convened a meeting at Raj Niwas with Advisor Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Principal Secretary of Industries and Commerce, Sanjeev Khirwar, Secretary of RDD (Rural Development Department), Amit Sharma, and TRIFED officials.
Shantanu Saharan, the Regional Manager North of TRIFED, detailed the efforts taken by TRIFED to enhance the livelihoods of artisans, entrepreneurs, and SHGs in Ladakh. He shared that TRIFED operates across 10 blocks in Ladakh and provides financial support to SHGs in various sectors.
Saharan also disclosed the release of 1.5 crore rupees for the betterment of Ladakhi SHGs. He briefed the Lieutenant Governor about the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojna (PMVDY) initiated by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aimed at uplifting the livelihoods of tribal communities in India. He requested the resumption of work, paused for six months, under this scheme. Saharan laid out plans for the sale of products crafted by Ladakhi artisans, SHGs, and entrepreneurs through Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
Saharan assured that the Ministry would provide substantial funding to boost the livelihoods of Ladakhi artisans, SHGs, and entrepreneurs.
The Lieutenant Governor instructed the Principal Secretary of Industries and the Secretary of the Rural Development Department to engage with the Regional Manager North of TRIFED, resolving the matter promptly to ensure that artisans, SHGs, and entrepreneurs can access the benefits of the scheme.
