हिंदी
Kargil, 02 May 2026
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri George Kurian, today held an interactive session with minority beneficiaries at Hotel The Kargil, organised by the Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation (SIDCO) in collaboration with the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC).
During the interaction, beneficiaries engaged directly with the Minister and warmly appreciated the efforts of the Government of India for extending financial assistance through various welfare and loan schemes. The participants shared their experiences and highlighted that these schemes have significantly contributed to enhancing their income levels and supporting their day-to-day livelihoods, particularly among artisans, small entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals.
Addressing the gathering, Shri George Kurian urged beneficiaries to take maximum advantage of the Central Government’s welfare schemes and to utilise institutional credit responsibly for sustainable livelihood generation. He encouraged them to scale up the production of traditional products, handicrafts, and local artefacts, noting that such items command strong demand and higher value in both national and international markets. The Minister assured that the government would extend support in facilitating market linkages, branding, and promotion to help local producers reach wider consumer bases.
The Minister also spoke about the growing potential of homestay tourism in the region. He informed beneficiaries that the Ministry would support the establishment of homestays to promote local tourism and supplementary income opportunities. However, he stressed that all homestays must strictly adhere to prescribed guidelines, quality standards, and safety norms to ensure a positive and authentic experience for visitors.
Earlier in the day, Shri George Kurian inspected the Rainbow Trout and Himalayan Trout fish farms at Andho, Kargil. He appreciated the initiative and efforts of the farm owners and observed that Kargil’s climatic conditions and water resources make it an ideal location for trout farming. Emphasising the economic and employment potential of the sector, the Minister stated that more such fish farms should be established in the district to strengthen local livelihoods, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance fish production in the region.
Officials from SIDCO, NMDFC, local administration, and representatives of beneficiary groups were present during the programme. The event underscored the Central Government’s continued commitment to inclusive development, minority empowerment, and sustainable livelihood generation in remote and border regions like Kargil.
