Ladakh delegations meet Sitharaman, demands special relief for tourism sector

Grappling with sharp decline in tourist arrivals in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, various delegations, including tourism players, met the visiting Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman here and advocated special relief for tourism and allied sectors in the Union Territory of Ladakh, an official said on Sunday.

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The delegations also demanded restoration of budget allocations to financial year 2025-26 and also requested that Budget Estimates and Revised Estimates be finalised based on expenditure up to December, rather than September-October, to reflect the region's actual spending capacity.

Sitharaman reached Leh on a four-day official tour on Saturday, attended the light and sound show at Leh Palace and visited Shanti Stupa besides meeting various delegations led by Chairman-cum-chief executive councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, Tashi Gyalson, the official said.

He said the delegation also included key stakeholders from All Ladakh Travel and Trade Alliance, All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association (ALGHA), All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA), All Ladakh Transport Association (ALTA), Merchant Associations, Biker Associations, Taxi Unions, and other tourism-related bodies.