Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh Finance Corporation (JKLFC) in collaboration with National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) organised the 3rd day of the Minority Loan Scheme Awareness Camp cum Loan Mela at Padum, Zanskar on August 10.

The event was chaired by Suhail Qadri, Gen. Manager, JKLFC with Jigmet, District Incharge, JKLFC Leh and Kargil, overseeing the proceedings. Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil, Er. Phunchok Tashi was the chief guest, Councillor Cha, Stanzin Lakpa and Councillor, Karsha, Stanzin Jigmet were the guests of honour. Incharge SDM Padum, Hassan; President of ZBA and President of Muslim Association were also present.

The event saw the participation of around 100 villagers, including youth, merchants, and members of Taxi Association. They were all eager to gain awareness about the Minority Loan Scheme and to register themselves for loan purposes.

In his address, EC Tashi emphasized the crucial role of these schemes in fostering economic growth for start-ups and promoting sustainable development in the community.

He raised concerns about the practical and ground-level applicability of these schemes in Zanskar and suggested the establishment of a JKLFC extension counter in the area to ensure the scheme's effective implementation.

He also discussed various challenges faced during the submission of Form C or shop establishment for new start-ups seeking financial assistance.

Additionally, he urged the NMDFC/JKLFC to consider including government contractors as guarantors and encouraged young entrepreneurs and unemployed youth to explore the scheme initiated by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.

He highlighted the importance of such schemes in empowering the minority section of society, enabling them to earn livelihood with minimal interest loans. He assured full support to the participants in case of any difficulties/assistance in accessing these schemes.

Earlier, Suhail Qadri, Gen. Manager, JKLFC, presented welcome speech, outlining the various loan schemes offered by the corporation. He also addressed doubts regarding the schemes during the question and answer session.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Jigmet Namgail, District Incharge, JKLFC Leh and Kargil. He acknowledged the challenges of conducting a series of awareness camps continuously in Kargil district, especially the long 8-hours journey to Padum Zanskar.

However, he expressed satisfaction with the large turnout, noting that the enthusiastic participation and the lively Q&A session made the efforts worthwhile.