MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Visits KVIC and SEWA Centres to Bolster Local Artisans in Ladakh

New Delhi, Jul 1 (KNN) Union Minister for MSME Jitan Ram Manjhi reviewed the implementation of key MSME schemes in Ladakh during a two-day visit to Leh, becoming the first Union MSME Minister to visit the Union Territory. 

The review focused on the progress of flagship programmes, challenges in implementation and measures to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in the region.

During the review meeting, officials from the Ministry of MSME, the Ladakh administration, banks, industry bodies and entrepreneurs assessed the implementation of various schemes, including progress under programmes being executed by the Industries and Commerce Department. 

Stakeholders also discussed issues related to credit access, subsidies, market linkages and scheme implementation.

The minister said the MSME sector plays a key role in employment generation and sustainable economic development, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions such as Ladakh. 

He also emphasised the need to expand awareness of the Udyam Registration Portal so that more entrepreneurs can access government support schemes.

Manjhi assured participants that concerns raised during the meeting would be addressed and reiterated the Centre's commitment to strengthening the MSME sector in Ladakh.

As part of the visit, the minister also visited the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)'s Centre for Rural Enterprise Acceleration through Technology (CREATE) in Leh, where he reviewed pashmina yarn production and interacted with local artisans.

He also visited Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)-supported enterprises, including Pure Ladakh, Nilza Bakery and Ladakh Tissue, and interacted with entrepreneurs on their business operations and growth.

The minister further visited the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) Skill Training Centre in Leh, where he reviewed an ongoing skill development programme supported by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialization (MGIRI) and interacted with trainees.

(KNN Bureau)