PARLIAMENT QUESTION: CENTRAL LEATHER RESEARCH INSTITUTE (CLRI) IN LADAKH 1963

**Executive Summary** This document outlines the Central Leather Research Institute's (CLRI) initiatives in Ladakh as part of the broader CSIR-Ladakh initiative. CLRI has been working to develop the local leather industry by providing skill development and training, value addition to local products, natural dyeing and material usage, and empowering women entrepreneurs. Information was provided by Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. **Key Points / Main Content** * **CSIR-CLRI Presence in Ladakh:** * There is no plan to establish a regional centre of CSIR-CLRI in Ladakh. * CSIR-CLRI, Chennai, is actively working in Ladakh to develop the local leather industry, improve the value chain, and promote entrepreneurship. * **CSIR-CLRI Initiatives:** * **Skill Development and Training:** Specialized 30-day training programs for artisans in Leh and Kargil, focusing on leather and allied products to turn the industry into a sustainable, structured one. * **Value Addition to Local Products:** Assisting in developing combination products using leather and traditional items like Goncha and Kamarbandh, with improved designs and techniques. * **Natural Dyeing and Material Usage:** Working with local artisans to use textile materials dyed with natural dyes for making combination products. * **Empowering Women Entrepreneurs:** Training programs specifically targeted Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and women artisans to create skilled, self-reliant entrepreneurs. * **Collaborative Efforts:** * Collaboration with Department of Industries and Commerce, Ladakh, Rural Development Department (RDD), and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Ladakh. * **CSIR-Ladakh Initiative:** * CSIR-CLRI's involvement is part of the CSIR-Ladakh initiative, including other CSIR laboratories focusing on high-altitude agriculture, bio-resources, and medicinal plants. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Artisans in Leh and Kargil** * **Impact:** Enhanced skills and knowledge in leather and allied products; opportunity to turn traditional leather usage into a sustainable, structured industry; training programs specifically designed to assist in value addition to local products through natural dyeing and material usage. * **Action Required:** Participate in specialized 30-day training programs, apply new skills and knowledge to improve leather product design, and seek opportunities to partner with CSIR-CLRI. **Stakeholder: Women Entrepreneurs/Self-Help Groups (SHGs)** * **Impact:** Targeted training programs for women artisans and SHGs to become skilled, self-reliant entrepreneurs. * **Action Required:** Participate in training programs, leverage skills and knowledge acquired to create and grow leather businesses. **Stakeholder: Department of Industries and Commerce, Ladakh; Rural Development Department (RDD); National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Ladakh** * **Impact:** Collaborators in CSIR-CLRI's Ladakh initiative, facilitating the development of the local leather industry. * **Action Required:** Continue to collaborate with CSIR-CLRI, providing necessary support and resources to ensure the success of the initiative. **Stakeholder: Local Leather Industry in Ladakh** * **Impact:** Overall growth and development of the local leather industry in Ladakh, and potential for expansion into new markets. * **Action Required:** Collaborate with the CSIR-CLRI to improve the leather industry.

Key Entities Referenced