Tourism stakeholders in Ladakh seek relief package from Finance Minister

Stakeholders from the tourism industry in Ladakh have sought a relief package from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which has also hit the tourism sector hard in the neighboring Union Territory in the wake of advisories issued by many countries.

The Finance Minister, who reached Leh on Saturday, held a meeting with the tourism stakeholders to discuss their issues. A delegation led by chairman of Leh Hill Council, Tashi Gyalson, met the Finance Minister and appraised her that there was a sharp decline in tourist arrival this year.

The delegation stated that following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, the number of tourists coming to the UT is negligible as compared to previous years. The delegation requested special relief for tourism and allied sectors. This includes rescheduling of existing bank loans, extension of moratorium periods, and recognition of tourism as a distressed sector.

The delegation particularly acknowledged the positive impact of flagship programmes such as the Vibrant Villages Programme, which has significantly contributed to the upliftment of remote border areas in Ladakh. It also urged the Finance Minister to expedite the apportionment of J&K Grameen Bank’s assets and staff between J&K and Ladakh, and proposed creation of a dedicated Regional Rural Bank for Ladakh to improve financial inclusion.

Meanwhile, Nirmala Sitharaman also met Ladakh L-G Brig BD Mishra (retd) and discussed about various issued concerning the local communities.

She late visited an exhibition of local handicrafts and handloom products by self-help groups (SHG) and local entrepreneurs in Leh. She interacted with artisans, women-led SHGs and local entrepreneurs showcasing traditional crafts, handloom textiles and sustainable innovations at their stalls.

“The Minister virtually inaugurated several development projects in Leh, reaffirming the commitment of the Union Government to inclusive growth and infrastructure development in Ladakh. The Union Finance Minister also interacted with the officials of the UT administration,” an official informed.

J & K