EC Yakzee-led delegation calls on Hon’ble Lt Governor Brig BD Mishra.

Leh, Aug 31, 2023: A delegation from Changthang/Durbuk led by Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Shri Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, called on the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), at Raj Niwas. Commissioner Secretary, Labour, Sri Mehboob Ali Khan and Secretary to HLG, Shri Ravinder Kumar, were present in the meeting.
Shri Tashi Namgyal Yakzee apprised the HLG of the functioning of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Co-operative Marketing Society (ACPGCMS) and the machines/equipment purchased by them. He requested the HLG for his intervention in the issuance of a working visa for the technician so that the newly purchased pashmina dehairing plant could be installed in Leh. He also requested to expedite the project for the saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered areas of Changthang/Durbuk by BSNL.
Shri Tashi Namgyal Yakzee apprised the HLG of the issue faced by porters from Changthang engaged by the Indian Army for supplying purposes due to the reduction in the daily wages paid to them. He informed that the porters were earlier paid Rs 661 per day which has now been reduced to Rs 450 per day with an additional 10 per cent fee for working in tough terrain. He requested that the earlier rate of Rs 661 should be paid to the porters and requested for the HLG’s intervention in this regard.
Commissioner Secretary, Labour, Shri Mehboob Ali Khan informed about the minimum wage fixed by the UT Administration for skilled and unskilled labourers and the assurance given by the Army to pay higher rates to the labourers as per the minimum wage fixed by Chief Labour Commissioner, GoI.
The HLG assured to inquire about the matter and take up the matter with the concerned officials so that the porters get their due rates.
The HLG inquired about the progress on the Yak Wool and Pashmina Wool development plans in Changthang along with the distribution of zero carbon-emission tents/shelters to pashmina goats to ensure there is a reduction in the mortality rate of kids of pashmina goats in the winter months. He emphasised on improving the livelihood opportunities of villagers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and women in Changthang by involving them in the development of Pashmina and Yak Wool projects, including the making of Rebo tents made of Yak wool, so that they can avail various benefits. He stated that even the youth must be targeted to encourage them to come up with their own start-ups on Pashmina and Yak Wool and become entrepreneurs. The HLG assured to provide all possible assistance in this regard.
Councillor, Kungyam, Shri Thinles Nurboo and President, All Changthang Pashmina Growers Co-operative Marketing Society (ACPGCMS), Shri Dorjay Stanzin were present in the meeting.