Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, June 13: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, R K Mathur convened a virtual meeting with members of Empretec India Foundation, led by its National Director, Arnab Chakrabortty, at Raj Niwas today.
Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Saugat Biswas and Commissioner Secretary, Technical Education and Skill Development, Padma Angmo, were present in the meeting.
National Director, Empretec India Foundation, Arnab, briefed that Empretec is a flagship-capacity building programme of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for the promotion of entrepreneurship and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to facilitate sustainable development and inclusive growth. He apprised that the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) has requested to introduce this programme in India for developing entrepreneurs. He informed that the Empretec-HiEERA (High-Impact Entrepreneurs from Emerging Regions for Action) Programme for India is operated by and for HiERRAs to promote community and value chain development. National Director, Empretec India Foundation stressed on the need for promoting entrepreneurship over industries to develop more entrepreneurs.
Some of the HiERRAs who availed the benefit of the programme shared their experiences and expressed their interest in potential development activities in Ladakh in several fields, viz. capital goods, manufacturing of textile garments and recycling solutions for plastic/industrial dust/sand; manufacture of footwears and apparels; promotion of pashmina and khulu (yak wool) in national and international markets; promotion of food processing and organic farming; promotion of homestays with the help of women self-help groups (SHGs); empowerment of women, etc.
LG Mathur appreciated Empretec India Foundation and their HiERRAs for suggesting relevant interventions in Ladakh. He stated that entrepreneurship in Ladakh includes promoting primary sector-based micro/ household enterprises in Ladakh. He requested for guidance and handholding of first-generation graduates who are also first-generation entrepreneurs.
LG Mathur informed about the efforts being made by the UT Administration and both Hill Councils to promote home stays in Ladakh and provide guidance and training to weavers engaged in making pashmina wool products to develop the value chain. He stressed on the importance of technology and training for value addition and improving the shelf life of primary sector products.
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