FM Sitharaman begins Ladakh visit, set to inaugurate key projects

Leh, June 14: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Leh on Saturday, marking the beginning of her four-day visit to the Union Territory of Ladakh.

She was received at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport by Member of Parliament Haneefa Jan, Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC Leh Adv. Tashi Gyalson, DGP Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, Administrative Secretary Shashanka Ala, Deputy Commissioner Santosh Sukhadeve, SSP Shruti Arora, BJP State President, and senior BJP leaders.

During her visit, the Finance Minister will interact with officials from the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and the UT administration. She will inaugurate multiple developmental projects aimed at bolstering infrastructure and services in the region.

A key part of her itinerary includes chairing a Credit Outreach Programme with the UTLBC Ladakh, where she will underline the significance of credit-driven growth and financial inclusion for the remote Himalayan region.

Sitharaman is also scheduled to visit far-flung areas in the Changthang region, including Nyoma, Hanle, and Rezang La, to assess ongoing development works and engage with local stakeholders.

Her visit is expected to bring a renewed focus on connectivity, credit access, and sustainable growth in one of India's most strategically located and ecologically sensitive regions.