Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], December 6 (ANI): Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh inaugurated the Integrated Textile & Tourism Centre (ITTC) at Nongpoh in Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya on Saturday.
The Union Minister, who was on an official visit to Meghalaya, was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita and Meghalaya Textiles Minister Metbah Lyngdoh.
He also interacted with artisans and weavers, as well as state officials and dignitaries.
A flagship initiative of the Department of Textiles, Meghalaya, the ITTC aims to promote the state’s rich textile heritage while advancing sustainable tourism.
It is designed as an immersive cultural hub to highlight Meghalaya’s unique textile traditions, especially Eri (Ahimsa) silk, while also providing a platform for artisans, farmers, entrepreneurs, and visitors to interact, showcase traditional craftsmanship, and benefit from integrated value-chain support.
“By showcasing the farm-to-fabric journey, the complex aims to strengthen the entire value chain of Meghalaya’s textile sector and position the state as a leader in ethical, eco-friendly silk production,” stated the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles.
Speaking on the occasion, Meghalaya Textiles Minister Metbah Lyngdoh told ANI, “This is a first-of-its-kind that the state government has set up the Integrated Textile & Tourism Centre (ITTC) to unite both the elements that go hand-in-hand.”
Union Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita, while reflecting on the significance of the initiative, added, “It is an important day for the textile sector of the Northeast and Meghalaya. Our Honourable Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh inaugurated ITTC near Nongpoh in the presence of textile ministers and members of the textile fraternity. The centre will provide service to the local artisans and our handloom weavers. It is also a demonstration of our textile heritage, emerging as a state-of-the-art and a centre of tourism.” (ANI)