Shillong, Aug 27 (KNN) Union Textile Minister Smriti Zubin Irani laid the foundation stone for Integrated Textile Tourism Development Project at Nongpoh in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. With an aim to promote the textiles and tourism, this NERTPS project will provide better livelihood opportunities to the weavers and artisans of the state.

While speaking at the program, Irani said, “The central government was committed to undertake all possible attempts of the Meghalaya government to develop the textile sector”.

Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma was also present at the program of laying the foundation stone for the Integrated Textiles Tourism Complex here. While speaking at the program, Sangma Conrad said, “The integrated textiles tourism complex would benefit artisans and farmers of the state along with a boost to the tourism sector”.

Irani also added, “Under the Samarth scheme of the Ministry of Textiles, nearly 30,000 people from Meghalaya will be eligible for skill development programs. Also, for the skill development of 7,200 Meghalaya people in the textile sector, Rs 8 crore has already been sanctioned.

To help the artisans in getting benefits, the government has come up with an identity card called ‘Pehchaan’ Under the handicraft sector. Moreover, free tool kits will be provided for people coming from economically challenged backgrounds.