Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra along with First Lady Neelam Mishra inaugurated the 10-day-long Aadi Bazaar at Eco-Park, Leh on August 16.

Regional Manager North, TRIFED, Shantanu Saharan informed that the Aadi Bazaar is being organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Tribal Co-Operative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) and Tribes India in Leh.

LG and First Lady Neelam Mishra inspected the stalls where artisans and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from Leh and Kargil have displayed woven textiles, organic products, painting, stone pottery, jewellery, etc.

Later, LG held a meeting with Advisor, Dr. Pawan Kotwal; Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Sanjeev Khirwar; Secretary, RDD, Amit Sharma and the TRIFED officials at Raj Niwas.

Regional Manager North, TRIFED, Shantanu Saharan informed about the initiative taken by TRIFED to improve the livelihood of artisans, entrepreneurs and SHGs in Ladakh. He informed that TRIFED is working in 10 blocks in Ladakh and the organisation is providing funds to the SHGs in different sectors.

He further informed that 1.5 crore rupees were also released for the upliftment of the SHGs in Ladakh. He also informed LG about Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojna (PMVDY) launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, to improve the livelihood of tribal communities in India. He requested for the operationalisation of the work which has stopped for the past six months. He informed about their plan for the sale of the products from artisans, SHGs and entrepreneurs from Ladakh through the Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.

Saharan assured to provide adequate funding through the Ministry to boost the livelihood of Ladakhi artisans, SHGs and entrepreneurs.

LG directed Principal Secretary, Industries and Secretary, Rural Development Department to discuss the matters with Regional Manager, North, TRIFED and resolve the issue at the earliest so that the artisans, SHGs and entrepreneurs can avail the benefits of the scheme.