A delegation from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, led by Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyalson, called on Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, in New Delhi on April 28. The delegation included Councillor and BJP Leh District President Stanzin Chosphel, Councillor Kungyam and BJP State President (Yuva Morcha) Thinles Nurboo, along with the Minister’s Private Secretary, Sachin Jaswal, IAS.

During the meeting, the delegation raised several key issues concerning the implementation and strengthening of welfare schemes in the Union Territory of Ladakh. A central focus was the request to expedite the establishment of an independent Ladakh Development Finance Corporation, through the formal bifurcation from the existing Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Finance Corporation.

The delegation also highlighted the need for increased allocation of minority welfare funds, particularly to benefit sectors such as education, handicrafts, and trade. They proposed additional Grants-in-Aid to support these sectors and suggested organizing a dedicated Exhibition and Loan Mela Awareness Camp in the upcoming season to promote Ladakhi artisan products at both regional and national levels. Emphasis was placed on the importance of marketing support and financial assistance for local entrepreneurs.

Further, the delegation advocated for a special financial package for unemployed youth in Ladakh to encourage entrepreneurship, and recommended the introduction of concessional loan schemes aimed at fostering self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.

They also expressed gratitude to Minister Kiren Rijiju for his pivotal role in resolving long-standing issues related to the Ladakh State Cooperative Bank, through his intervention with the Ministry of Finance and NABARD.

In response, the Minister assured the delegation that their concerns and proposals would be given due consideration and reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and empowerment of minority communities in Ladakh.