Ladakhi GI tag products should be encouraged as means of livelihood among Ladakhi youth: LG Gupta

Leh, Aug 07: Encourage local products, especially those with Geographical Indication (GI) tagging, so that youth adopt them as a source of livelihood, and even people from remote areas benefit from it.

This was stated by Hon’ble Lt Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta in the presence of First Lady Bindu Gupta during the inauguration of the week-long National Handloom Day 2025 at Eco Park in Leh main market, showcasing handloom products of artisans, self-help groups (SHGs) and entrepreneurs from Ladakh. Several products from Ladakh, such as Apricot (Raktsey Karpo), Pashmina, Ladakhi Wood Carving, and Sea Buckthorn, have obtained the GI tag.

Lauding the stalls of artisans and entrepreneurs from Ladakh displaying high-quality handloom products, Lt Governor stated that the event shows the Ladakhi artisans are far ahead of others and there is scope to go further using our ancient culture and tradition as tools. He commended the artisans for using modern means to preserve Ladakh’s centuries-old tradition and culture. He reiterated the UT Ladakh Administration and the central government’s commitment to the holistic development of the region.

Emphasising upskilling the youth, the Lt Governor stated that products from Ladakh with GI tags can be a major source of livelihood for Ladakhi youth, and UT Ladakh Administration would make utmost effort in this direction by providing tools and machines at subsidised rates. Utilising modern machinery, Ladakhi youth can promote the Vocal for Local initiative by making products using materials such as pashmina and become job-creators instead of job-seekers.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS, stated that the products showcased by artisans from Ladakh speak volumes about their rich talent. Highlighting products made from wool and particularly pashmina wool, Chief Secretary mentioned that Ladakhi pashmina is considered to be of the finest quality and pashmina produced indigenously in Ladakh would put Ladakh on the global map along with efforts being made to improve livelihood of artisans through various initiatives, including purchase of pashmina dehairing plant and value addition of pashmina products, etc.

Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Ghulam Mehdi, in his address, stated that Ladakh has been connected to handloom for ages. He mentioned opportunities provided to artisans from Ladakh to showcase their products at various national platforms, particularly the Enchanting Ladakh event at Delhi Haat. He highlighted various initiatives taken by LAHDC Leh for the benefit of artisans, such as the establishment of Common Facilitation Centre and providing machines/equipment to them at subsidised rates.

Earlier, the Lt Governor inspected the stalls and interacted with the artisans.

There were cultural performances and a fashion show by Ladakhi artists.