Leh, Dec 9: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, highlighted the pivotal role of financial institutions in shaping Ladakh’s socio-economic future, calling them “catalysts of sustainable and inclusive development” in remote and vulnerable regions of the Union Territory.
Speaking at the launch of the Focused Rural Development Project and Holistic Rural Development Project—supported by HDFC Bank Parivartan and implemented by Himmotthan Society—the LG said that expanding banking services ensures empowerment, self-reliance, and opportunities for entrepreneurship. The initiative covers 35 revenue villages across Changthang, Nimoo, and border settlements, with a three-year plan to uplift nearly 3,000 families.
Key interventions under the project include the strengthening of Village Development Committees, construction of solar greenhouses and artificial glaciers, renovation of irrigation canals, installation of automated weather stations and solar power systems, development of smart schools, and provision of community medical services.
Commending HDFC Bank’s CSR initiatives in Changthang and Sham Valley, the LG said the targeted interventions will particularly benefit nomadic communities and small farmers, strengthening resilience against climate change and improving access to energy, water security, education and healthcare.
“This effort goes beyond CSR—it represents true corporate responsibility toward strengthening border communities,” he noted.
Emphasising community-led progress, Shri Kavinder said Ladakh’s development model must involve panchayats, SHGs, youth groups and grassroots institutions, along with sustained capacity building to ensure long-term impact.
He reaffirmed the UT Administration’s full support, assuring policy facilitation, streamlined approvals and close coordination to ensure timely implementation of the projects.
During the event, the LG visited stalls of local artisans, SHGs and FPOs, and felicitated leading Apricot and Vegetable FPOs—Chamba Dorjey, Tsering Wangyal and Ishey Palmo.
Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal underscored the importance of eco-friendly and carbon-neutral development in Ladakh and praised the wider Himalayan interventions of Tata Trusts.
Dr. Rajendra Singh Koshyari of Himmotthan and Tata Trusts detailed their work in Ladakh, Himachal and Uttarakhand, addressing water scarcity, biodiversity loss and livelihood gaps.
HDFC CSR representative Diskit Yangdol outlined the bank’s transformative impact in Ladakh’s border areas.
The event was attended by senior government officials, NGO representatives, nambardars, FPOs, community members, and officials from HDFC and Tata Trusts.
