Leh, June 15 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday visited an exhibition of local handicrafts and handloom products by Self -Help Groups (SHG) of Ladakh region (SHG) and local entrepreneurs.
He interacted with artisans, women -led SHGs and local entrepreneurs who performed traditional crafts and handloom clothes at their stalls.
The Finance Minister appreciated the sense of entrepreneurship of the artisans, and spoke about the role of the government in preserving cultural heritage and promoting rural livelihood in the union territory.
This initiative is part of the Center’s inclusive development policy to empower women and local entrepreneurs and create more employment.
Finance Minister is on a four -day visit to Ladakh. She will preside over a credit outreach program, emphasizing the important role of credit in promoting financial inclusion and economic growth in the region.
Finance Minister Ladakh will hold talks with the Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) councilors and the Ladakh administration. She will also inaugurate various development projects during her visit.
The Modi government has succeeded in organizing more than 90.76 lakh self-help groups (SHGs) across the country to promote financial inclusion under the major DAY-NRLM Poverty Alleviation Scheme.
More than 52 crore loans of Rs 32.61 lakh crore have been approved under the PM Mudra Yojana for the poor. In 2025, the scheme has completed 10 years.
The scheme has promoted the empowerment of women in small cities and villages, as about 70 percent of the currency loans have been taken by women entrepreneurs, which has increased their financial freedom and contributed to gender equality.
-IANS
ABS/
