ZIRO : Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita concluded his visit to Lower Subansiri district on Tuesday, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the handloom and handicrafts sector while promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh.

Addressing local weavers, handicraft artisans and district officials, Margherita described Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India’s rich cultural heritage and highlighted the state’s unique contribution to preserving indigenous traditions.

He praised Chief Minister Pema Khandu for his leadership, citing the state’s ongoing infrastructure development and efforts to safeguard tribal culture and heritage.

The MoS also commended Arunachal Pradesh’s Members of Parliament for their role in advocating developmental and textile-related initiatives for the state.

A key highlight of the visit was the laying of the foundation stone for the Ziro Handloom Marketing Complex at the Government Crafts Centre. The proposed facility is expected to provide local weavers with a dedicated platform to market and promote their products to wider domestic and international audiences.

Margherita also distributed specialised toolkits to artisans under the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme, aimed at enhancing productivity and supporting the preservation of traditional craft practices.

Earlier, the MoS received a traditional welcome from district administration officials and community leaders upon his arrival in Ziro. He began the day’s programme with a visit to Siddheshwarnath Temple at Kardo and later attended a breakfast meeting hosted by Ziro-Hapoli MLA Hage Appa, where discussions focused on local developmental priorities and future opportunities for the region.

Before proceeding to Palin in Kra Daadi district, Margherita held a review meeting with district officials to assess the implementation of ongoing central initiatives in the textiles sector and regional development programmes. (DIPR)