Changthang, Aug 16 : In a major boost to the traditional Pashmina sector, the Changthang district administration on Sunday launched a skill upgradation programme and a GI registration drive aimed at empowering local herders and strengthening the authenticity of Ladakh's famed Pashmina wool.

Deputy Commissioner Nitish Rajora, IAS, inaugurated the twin initiatives at Nyoma in the presence of senior officials from the Departments of Cooperatives, Handlooms & Handicrafts, and Animal Husbandry.
The first initiative is a 15-day Short-Term Skill Upgradation Training Programme on spinning and weaving, being conducted from August 16 to 31 at four centres across Changthang — Durbuk Community Hall, Tangtse Community Hall, Chushool Common Facility Centre, and a training centre in Nyoma. The programme, officials said, is designed to enhance traditional skills, promote value addition, and improve livelihood opportunities for local communities engaged in the Pashmina value chain.
In a parallel move, the administration launched a month-long Pashmina Authorised User Registration Drive to facilitate herders in filing applications for GI registration. The applications will be processed and forwarded to the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai for issuance of Authorised User Certificates. The drive, being conducted at the grassroots level, aims to provide formal recognition to genuine Pashmina producers and strengthen traceability and identity of Ladakh Pashmina.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Rajora appreciated the coordinated efforts of the departments and underscored the need to preserve traditional skills while ensuring institutional recognition and sustainable livelihoods for the herding communities.
The twin initiatives, officials said, reaffirm the administration's commitment to bolstering the Pashmina ecosystem, protecting the interests of herders, and further developing the GI-tagged heritage product of Changthang.