Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur discussed the project on conservation and revival of wool-based livelihoods and handicrafts in Changthang with Director, Achi Association India, Abeer Gupta on February 26.

Abeer Gupta shared that he shall run a two-year project for conservation, revival and upgradation of skills around wool-based processes in Changthang, creating social entrepreneurial production clusters led by women and youth within decentralised rural clusters, developing innovations around wool-based livelihoods to enhance the income of local communities through the development of contemporary/traditional products to strengthen rural livelihoods in Changthang and direct access to niche international markets and local high-value tourists.

LG Mathur said that the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), astronomy, home stay, cultural tourism, model village project to be implemented through the army, etc, can be converged with this project to provide livelihood to women self-help groups (SHGs).

LG Mathur asked Commissioner, Industries and Commerce, Saugat Biswas  to identify specific clusters, work around them and provide all necessary equipment and trainings to make crafts-based livelihood successful and economically beneficial. He also highlighted the importance of social mobilisation for the success of the project.