Parliament Question: Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) in Ladakh

**Executive Summary** This document presents the Indian government's response to a parliamentary question regarding the establishment of a regional branch of the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) in Ladakh. The response, dated February 11, 2026, confirms that there are currently no plans to establish a regional center of CSIR-CLRI in Ladakh. However, it outlines existing initiatives by CSIR-CLRI in the region under the broader CSIR-Ladakh initiative. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Establishment of CLRI Branch:** * There is currently no plan to establish a regional CSIR-CLRI center in Ladakh. * **Existing Initiatives in Ladakh:** * CSIR-CLRI, Chennai, is actively working in Ladakh to develop the local leather industry, improve the value chain, and promote entrepreneurship. * These activities fall under the broader CSIR-Ladakh initiative, which aims to leverage Science & Technology for the region's development. * **Specific Activities Undertaken by CSIR-CLRI:** * **Skill Development and Training:** 30-day training programs have been conducted for artisans in Leh and Kargil, focusing on leather and allied products to transform traditional methods into a sustainable, structured industry. * **Value Addition to Local Products:** Assistance is provided in developing combination products using leather and traditional items (Goncha, Kamarbandh) with improved designs and techniques. * **Natural Dyeing and Material Usage:** CSIR-CLRI is working with local artisans to use textile materials dyed with natural dyes for making combination products. * **Empowering Women Entrepreneurs:** Training programs specifically target Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and women artisans to create skilled, self-reliant entrepreneurs in the leather sector. * **Collaborative Partners:** CSIR-CLRI collaborates with the Department of Industries and Commerce, Ladakh, the Rural Development Department (RDD), and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Ladakh. * **Broader CSIR-Ladakh Initiative:** * CSIR-CLRI's involvement is part of the CSIR-Ladakh initiative, which includes other CSIR laboratories focusing on high-altitude agriculture, bio-resources, and medicinal plants. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Local Artisans in Ladakh** * **Impact:** Artisans benefit from existing skill development and training programs focused on modernizing leather production techniques and utilizing natural dyeing methods. * **Action Required:** Participate in the provided training and development programs to improve leather products and the leather industry. **Stakeholder: Women Entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs)** * **Impact:** Targeted training programs aim to empower women entrepreneurs and SHGs within the leather sector, facilitating self-reliance. * **Action Required:** Participate in the specifically targeted training programs to support the creation of skilled, self-reliant entrepreneurs in the leather sector. **Stakeholder: Department of Industries and Commerce, Ladakh, Rural Development Department (RDD), and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)** * **Impact:** These organizations are partners in the CSIR-CLRI's activities in Ladakh, collaborating to support the leather industry and related sectors. * **Action Required:** Continue collaboration efforts with CSIR-CLRI to promote the development of the local leather industry, improve the value chain, and promote entrepreneurship.

Key Entities Referenced