Chief Secretary holds Interactive Session with Entrepreneurs of Ladakh
20/05/2026
Leh, May 20(KIP)- Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired the second interactive session with entrepreneurs from various sectors across Ladakh to discuss challenges, opportunities, and practical pathways for strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Union Territory.
The interactive session was organized as a follow-up to the earlier introductory meeting, with the present deliberations focusing on execution strategies, sector-specific challenges, institutional support, and converting ideas into actionable outcomes.
Entrepreneurs representing sectors such as local product development, AI-driven initiatives, waste management, textiles and handicrafts, fashion, consultancy and service sectors, film and media, educational organizations, and NGOs participated in the discussions and shared their experiences, ideas, and expectations from the Administration.
The entrepreneurs highlighted several issues affecting their respective sectors, particularly in the areas of skill development, market linkages, funding support, branding, infrastructure, and policy facilitation. Representatives from the textile and handicraft sector raised concerns regarding the sustainability of artisan training programmes, stating that many trained individuals eventually leave the field due to lack of economic opportunities and market connectivity.
Special emphasis was laid on the condition of Pashmina producers and nomadic communities. Participants stressed the need to support local nomads and artisans through better infrastructure, value addition facilities, and awareness among youth regarding traditional livelihoods and the cultural importance of Pashmina production. Issues related to rural livelihoods, youth engagement, education, and preservation of indigenous crafts were also discussed extensively.
The Chief Secretary described the interaction as highly constructive and appreciated the openness with which entrepreneurs shared their concerns and ideas. He emphasized the need for deeper engagement with sector-specific stakeholders and stated that the Administration aims to create structured dialogue platforms to better understand challenges and design targeted interventions.
Shri Kundra highlighted that the Administration is working towards developing a comprehensive startup ecosystem in Ladakh, including a dedicated Startup Policy expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. He informed the participants that the proposed policy would focus on incubation support, seed funding, co-working spaces, capital subsidies, innovation support, and institutional partnerships with premier institutions such as IIM Calcutta.
The Chief Secretary also discussed the importance of creating common facility centres and collaborative workspaces for sectors such as handicrafts, textiles, filmmaking, design, AI, and renewable energy innovation. He stressed the need for proper documentation of sectoral requirements, formation of producer groups and FPOs, and development of market-driven strategies for products such as Pashmina, apricot-based products, mushrooms, and other local value-added goods.
He further emphasized the importance of connecting entrepreneurs with government schemes, financial institutions, and startup support mechanisms. Shri Kundra informed that awareness camps and district-level outreach programmes would be conducted to educate entrepreneurs and youth about funding opportunities, startup schemes, bank loan provisions, and government support initiatives.
The Chief Secretary stated that the Administration intends to institutionalize regular government-industry dialogue platforms with actionable agendas for each sector, including wildlife, education, crafts, tourism, media, and technology. He also stressed the need for creating common digital platforms and online sales portals to improve visibility and market access for local entrepreneurs and products.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, School Education, Ms. Bhanu Prabha; Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Shri Moses Kunzang; Consultant to the Administration functioning as OSD (Special Projects); and entrepreneurs and representatives from various sectors and organizations across Ladakh.