Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, has urged the region’s youth to move beyond the pursuit of government jobs and instead work towards becoming job providers.
He encouraged them to tap into Centrally Sponsored Schemes and financial assistance programmes from the Government of India, which offer skill development, start-up support, and market linkages.
During his visit to the Pashmina Dehairing Plant and Lena Weaving Unit at the Industrial Estate in Leh, Gupta stressed the urgent need for global branding, value addition, and robust marketing of Ladakh’s world-famous Pashmina wool.
He said making the Pashmina sector more lucrative would rekindle interest among youth from the Changthang region, motivating them to see it as a sustainable livelihood option.
He reiterated the UT Administration’s commitment to supporting value addition and marketing of Pashmina products outside Ladakh for better market access and higher returns.
Interacting with artisans, entrepreneurs, and members of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society, Gupta emphasised enhancing wool quality, diversifying product lines, adopting modern processing techniques, and building a branding strategy rooted in authenticity, cultural heritage, and premium quality.
He called for strong national and global outreach campaigns to promote the sector.
The LG inspected several industrial units, including aluminium and steel fabrication, woodcarving, sculpting, and Pashmina weaving, to understand the facilities and benefits provided by the Industries & Commerce and Animal/Sheep Husbandry departments.
He said Ladakh’s traditional craftsmanship, combined with modern business models, could create sustainable livelihoods, generate local employment, and carry forward the region’s artisanal heritage to national and international markets.
Administrative Secretary Rudra Goud P.T. informed the LG that the Pashmina Dehairing Plant can process 10 kg of raw Pashmina per hour, greatly benefiting stakeholders.
Cooperative members briefed him on the functioning of the Pashmina Scouring and Dehairing machines.
At the woodcarving unit of Padma Shri awardee Tsering Namgyal, known for the GI-tagged ‘Ladakh Shingskos’ craft, Gupta praised his exceptional artistry and urged him to continue making Ladakh proud.
Councillors from Chushul and Kungyam, senior government officials, and directors of relevant departments accompanied Gupta during the visit.
