SHILLONG:
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, on December 14, dismissed allegations from various sections that the government is spending too much on festivals without looking at core issues.
Reacting to statements made by some political leaders on the government’s motive behind holding such festivals, Lyngdoh said that Cherry Blossom has been going on for the last five years which has significantly boosted tourism inflow in the state.
He said that it is because of festivals like Cheery Blossom, Me.gong and promotions that Meghalaya has been recognised as the next tourism distinction by Outlook Magazine.
“It is very easy to be critical, but at the same time one has to appreciate the fact that the tourist inflow into Meghalaya has suddenly jumped up from where it was even three years ago. Today we have 15 lakh visitors making it to various destinations of Meghalaya, and most of these are foreign tourists, even compared to domestic tourists,” Lyngdoh claimed.
Reacting to critics flagging off issues that the government is not paying more attention to roads, education or healthcare, Lyngdoh said that these people must be aware about the state budget that was passed by the state assembly in March, wherein specific allocations were made for various departments.
He said that the government by organising such festivals has not overstepped allocation made for tourism department and each department have their own budget
“We have created various festivals and allotted funds to them under budgetary allocation meant for the tourism department,” he said.
Lyngdoh further added, “Now if roads or water supply in the state is in a bad shape, it doesn’t mean that the tourism department stops working and waits for the roads to get better or water supply to improve.”
Lyngdoh remarked that the government works based on the budgetary heads earmarked for each department and the Tourism Department does not borrow from the health department or Home (police) department inorder to supplement the requirements of such festivals.
“We are working well within our budget, and as study after study has indicated Tourism as a sector of livelihood is here to stay and here to replace any other department or any other activity as a means of employment generation,” Lyngdoh concluded.