Ladakh must build on its unique strengths: NITI Aayog

Srinagar: NITI Aayog vice chairman Ashok K Lahiri said Ladakh's development strategy should build on its unique strengths, including its natural resources, cultural heritage and renewable-energy potential.

He stressed that these ad vantages must be harnessed in a manner that ensures environmental sustainability and generates livelihood opportunities for the people of the Union territory. Officials said Lahiri chaired a meeting with senior administrative officers, including chief secretary Ashish Kundra, here to review the ongoing projects and key challenges in infrastructure, connectivity, education, tourism, energy, water and employment. Kundra briefed the meeting about Ladakh's finances and highlighted major economic challenges facing the Union Territory along with sector-wise GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product), GSVA (Gross State Value Addition) and employment trends.

The meeting discussed employment and entrepreneurship, with emphasis on developing viable enterprises in animal husbandry, sheep farming, poultry, hatcheries and other local sectors, the spokesperson said. The need for modern facilities, market linkages, viable business models and greater value addition was highlighted. Lahiri proposed creating a consolidated database of promising ideas and linking young entrepreneurs from Ladakh with experienced mentors from outside the UT. Lahiri said NITI Aayog would extend support for training and mentoring young entrepreneurs through initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission. He emphasised the importance of strengthening the entire pashmina value chain while preserving traditional hand-spinning and craftsmanship and appropriately adopting modern technology and machinery.


The meeting also stressed the need to improve connectivity and develop a more vibrant and diversified tourism model with discussions focusing on astro-tourism, winter tourism and Buddhist and cultural tourism.