Lok Sabha Question No. 1963 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-11
Subject: Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) in Ladakh
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Shri Mohmad Haneefa

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1963 (ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026)

## CENTRAL LEATHER RESEARCH INSTITUTE (CLRI) IN LADAKH

## 1963. SHRI MOHMAD HANEEFA:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the demand and need to establish a regional branch of the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) in Ladakh to support the development of the leather industry and related sectors in the region and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the  efforts  made  so  far  by  the  Government  or  CSIR  to  explore  the possibility of setting up such a regional centre in Ladakh;
- (c) whether there is any concrete plan or proposal under consideration for establishing a CLRI regional branch in Ladakh and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the timeline by which the Government anticipates implementing such a plan to promote scientific research and industrial development in Ladakh through CLRI's presence; and
- (e) the specific steps that will be taken to facilitate infrastructure, staffing and research collaboration for the regional centre in Ladakh ?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES

(DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

- (a) to (e) Presently, there is no plan to establish a regional centre of CSIR Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI) in Ladakh.

The CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, has been actively working in the Ladakh region to develop the local leather industry, improve the value chain, and promote entrepreneurship,  particularly  among  women  and  artisans.  This initiative is part of a broader collaboration under the CSIR-Ladakh initiative,  which  aims  to  leverage  Science  &  Technology  for  the region's  development. The  brief  details  of  Key  Initiatives  and Activities in Ladakh undertaken by CSIR-CLRI is as follows:

-  Skill  Development  and  Training: CSIR-CLRI  has  conducted specialized  30-day  training  programs  for  artisans  in  Leh  and Kargil, focusing on leather and allied products. These sessions aimed to turn the traditional, unorganized leather usage into a sustainable, structured industry.
-  Value Addition to Local Products: The institute is assisting in developing combination products using leather and traditional items, such as   Goncha (robes) and Kamarbandh (sashes), with improved designs and techniques to meet market needs.
-  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  have specifically  targeted  Self-Help  Groups  (SHGs)  and  women artisans  to  create  skilled,  self-reliant  entrepreneurs  in  the leather sector.
-  Collaborative Partners: The work is done in collaboration with the  Department  of  Industries  and  Commerce,  Ladakh,  Rural Development Department (RDD), and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Ladakh.

CSIR-CLRI's  involvement  is  part  of  the  CSIR-Ladakh  initiative, which  also  includes  other  CSIR  laboratories  focusing  on  highaltitude agriculture, bio-resources, and medicinal plants.

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