Leh, Jun 16: Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman today undertook an outreach initiative by visiting the remote and picturesque Rongdo Valley. The visit was marked by a heartfelt interaction with members of the local nomadic tribal community, reflecting the government’s continued focus on inclusive development and tribal welfare in the frontier regions.
The Finance Minister, accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and local administration, was warmly received by tribal leaders and members of the Changpa and Bakarwal nomadic groups, who reside in the rugged terrains of Rongdo Valley. The visit aimed to understand the ground realities of life in high-altitude tribal settlements and assess the implementation of central welfare schemes for Scheduled Tribes in the region.
In a major gesture of support, Sitharaman handed over a cheque of Rs 50 lakh for the construction of weather-resistant tents for the nomadic tribe. The funds, provided under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the SBI Foundation, are intended to improve the living conditions of the nomadic families during their seasonal migrations across the harsh terrain.
In her interaction, Sitharaman lauded the resilience, cultural richness, and traditional knowledge systems of the nomadic communities of Ladakh, noting that they play a vital role in preserving the ecological and cultural heritage of the Himalayas. She assured them that the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains deeply committed to ensuring that development reaches the last mile.
During the visit, the Finance Minister also reviewed the delivery of government schemes such as the PM Van Dhan Yojana, health outreach under Ayushman Bharat, and financial inclusion initiatives including Jan Dhan and direct benefit transfers (DBTs). She urged local officials to work closely with tribal leaders to ensure the smooth delivery of benefits and services, especially in the difficult winter months when access becomes limited.
Nomadic herders and women from self-help groups (SHGs) shared their experiences, highlighting both the progress made and challenges faced in areas like animal husbandry, wool and pashmina marketing, and education for children on the move. In response, Sitharaman instructed officials to explore tailored mobile education and veterinary services for pastoral families.
The Minister also visited a tribal household and participated in a traditional tea ceremony, showcasing the warmth and hospitality of the highland communities. Cultural performances and traditional songs marked the occasion, underscoring the community’s deep-rooted connection with their land and lifestyle.
