Impact of Climate Change on Changpa Tribe in Ladakh: Government Response
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
In a Lok Sabha reply on July 30, 2026, the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs stated that no study has been conducted on climate change impacts on the Changpa tribe's livelihood and nomadic lifestyle. The government outlined various welfare schemes and interventions for the community.
Background
The Changpa are a scheduled tribe in Ladakh, traditionally nomadic pastoralists relying on grazing lands and pashmina goats. Climate change, shrinking pastures, changing snowfall patterns, and declining livestock productivity threaten their way of life.
Key facts
No study has been conducted by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs on climate change impacts on Changpa livelihood and traditional nomadic lifestyle.
Changpa families are eligible beneficiaries of welfare schemes including PM-JANMAN, DAJGUA, Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), pre-matric and post-matric scholarships, and PM-Jan Vikas Mission (PMJVM).
Under DAJGUA, interventions include mobile medical units, mobile network coverage, residential hostels, and pucca houses under PM-Awas (Gramin).
TRIFED supports pashmina wool production, marketing linkages, and value addition for livelihood and income enhancement.
Under PMJVM, TRIFED released Rs 15 lakh for establishing a Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) at Durbuk.
EMRS fund releases to Ladakh: 2021-22: Rs 10 lakh; 2022-23: Rs 450 lakh; 2023-24: Rs 800 lakh; 2024-25: Rs 17.41 lakh; 2025-26: Rs 400 lakh.
TRIFED purchased pashmina products worth Rs 1,88,47,291 from Ladakh artisans in the last five years, indirectly benefiting Changpa herders.
An empanelment camp is proposed in August 2026 in Changthang to directly involve Changpa artisans in marketing and procurement.
Documentation and promotion of Changpa culture, language, and traditional knowledge is being done through the Tribal Research Institute.
Prelims pointers
- Changpa tribe: Scheduled Tribe in Ladakh, nomadic pastoralists, known for pashmina wool.
- PM-JANMAN: Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan.
- DAJGUA: Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.
- EMRS: Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal students.
- PMJVM: Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Mission (also known as PM Janjati Vikas Mission).
- TRIFED: Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India.
- VDVK: Van Dhan Vikas Kendra.
- Ladakh: Union Territory (since 2019).
- Pashmina: Fine cashmere wool from Changthangi goats.
- Tribal Research Institute: Under Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Mains angles
- GS2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable tribes – effectiveness and gaps.
- GS3: Climate change impact on indigenous livelihoods and adaptation measures.
- GS1: Tribal culture and nomadic pastoralism in India – challenges and preservation.
- GS2: Role of TRIFED and other agencies in tribal livelihood enhancement.