KARGIL, APRIL 04, 2021: Director Industries and Commerce, UT Ladakh Moses Kunzang chaired a meeting of young entrepreneurs, self help group members and progressive farmers at Conference Hall Baroo here today. 

General Manager Industries and Commerce Kargil Iftikhar Ahmad, Assistant Director Handicrafts Shahzad Ahmad, other concerned officers besides young entrepreneurs from different fields, progressive farmers, and members of self help groups were present in the meeting. 

Addressing the meeting, the Director Industries and Commerce Ladakh said that now Kargil and Leh are not only two districts but a Union Territory where the expectations of the people and potential for entrepreneurship both are high and notable things are expected to happen at our doorsteps. He expressed satisfaction over the participation of entrepreneurs from various fields in the meeting. 

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“There is a mindset that unemployed youth prefer Government jobs instead of embracing to become entrepreneurs which needs to change as we have ample opportunities available now which will lead the aspiring youths to bright a future”, the Director stated. 

Speaking about the functioning of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Kunzang said that the department is adopting concrete measures to reach to the doorsteps of the entrepreneurs to address their issues. He also enlightened the participants in detail about several schemes available under various heads to promote entrepreneurship and small scale enterprises. 

Making mention of the potential of Pashmina and Apricot marketing in Ladakh, Moses Kunzang said that due to poor packaging and marketing facilities as of now, the farmers are getting lower price for their products in comparison to their market value, adding he said that the department is committed to devise workable strategies to overcome this issue. He said that the department is also looking forward to hire shopping complexes to provide ideal market to the products produced by the local artisans, progressive farmers and entrepreneurs and further assured to conduct exhibitions for effective marketing of the local produce. 

Director Moses Kunzang also gave a patient hearing to the grievances and concerns of the entrepreneurs and assured them of suitable follow up for resolution of their issues in a phased manner. He said that Ladakh EDI is also in the formation process and is being established in due course of time, adding he said that the Ladakh Industrial Policy is also expected to come in public domain next month. 

The Director further stated that Rs 10 crores have been allocated for development of Changrah Thang which would be an ideal industrial place.