Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita on Monday reviewed the implementation of central schemes in Kra Daadi district and laid the foundation stone of a Handloom Marketing Complex at Ziro during his visit to Arunachal Pradesh.
The visit is part of the Government of India’s fortnightly outreach programme by Union Ministers to the North Eastern States.
*Handloom Complex to Benefit 3,000 Weavers*
The Handloom Marketing Complex in Ziro is being set up under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) at a total cost of ₹10.97 crore, funded under the 90:10 Centre-State pattern. The project is expected to directly engage around 1,000 weavers and indirectly benefit over 2,000 more. Officials estimate the complex will boost weavers’ incomes by 10-15 per cent and increase production by 15-20 per cent.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Margherita said the complex would strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s handloom ecosystem and ensure sustainable livelihoods for local weavers. He also announced that a similar marketing complex would be established in Tawang to expand market access for the State’s weaving community.
The Minister also participated in a tool kit distribution programme for 245 textile and embroidery artisans under the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme. The initiative, aimed at technology upgradation and product diversification, is sponsored by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, and implemented by the Department of Industries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, with the Arunachal Pradesh Industrial Development & Financial Corporation Ltd.
Earlier, Shri Margherita chaired a district review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Palin, Kra Daadi, to assess progress of flagship central schemes. The meeting was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Urban Affairs Minister Shri Balo Raja, Kra Daadi Deputy Commissioner Smti. Tadar Yame Higio, APCS, and senior district officials.
During the review, the Minister took stock of ongoing schemes, implementation pace, and departmental grievances, assuring all possible support for resolution. He stressed effective coordination and last-mile delivery to ensure benefits reach citizens in the remotest areas. Margherita lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the North East, calling the region the _“Ashtalakshmi of Bharat.”_ He noted that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the region has seen unprecedented progress in connectivity, infrastructure, economic development and social empowerment.
The Minister’s visit underscored the Centre’s focus on accelerating development, strengthening livelihoods, and ensuring on-ground implementation of welfare and infrastructure initiatives across the North Eastern Region.
