The Union Minister reviews Meghalaya’s tourism schemes and stresses the need for improved infrastructure

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 4, 2024

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, lauded the cultural and natural beauty of Meghalaya during his visit to the South West Khasi Hills district on September 3. Emphasizing the untapped potential of tourism in the Northeastern states, particularly in Meghalaya, the Minister urged people from across the country to explore the state. “Meghalaya has immense potential for growing tourism. Come, let us all visit and experience Meghalaya—its culture and natural beauty,” he said.

During his visit, the Union Minister toured various attractions, including the Hot Spring at Jakrem Village, Synrang Mawrin at Mawten Village, Mawkyrduk Monolith (Tynrong) at Mawlangwir Village, and the picturesque Mawranglang Viewpoint at Mawranglang Village. On his visit to these locations, cultural performances, including songs by Ki Sur Ki Nongkyndong and traditional dances by the Ri-Maram Folk Academy of Mawlangwir, were showcased. During his address, he lauded the efforts of the local performers for their beautiful cultural programme showcased at the tourist spot developed by the state government.

Shekhawat underscored the pivotal role that the tourism sector will play in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. He said, “We all are aware that our beloved nation under the leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister is marching to become a developed nation by 2047. India is recognized as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and the potential of tourism is increasing everyday.” He acknowledged that the maximum of the potential of tourism lies in the Northeastern states and especially in Meghalaya. All the Northeastern states are blessed with cultural diversity and natural beauty, he added. 

The Union Minister also referred to his meeting with the Tourism Ministers from the North Eastern, Eastern States, and Union Territories yesterday in Shillong which was held to understand and further develop the tourism potential of the Northeastern States. The states delivered presentations on their respective tourism strategies, sharing success stories and challenges. The Minister appreciated the efforts of the state government as he said, “The state governments have shared their plans and the beautiful prospects during the meeting yesterday and I am sure their high ambitious goals are going to make tremendous opportunity for the tourist who will visit the states, experience the rich culture heritage, beautiful locations and beautiful weather”. He further said, “The development of tourism is going to bring a big change in the life of the local community, their economic wealth will rise, their living conditions will change for better and I wish that during the near future tourism will become the driver of the economy of the northeastern states.”

In addition, memorandums were presented to the Union Minister by the local MLA Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, along with representatives from Dorbar Shnong Mawten, the Principal of Sngap Syiem College Mawkyrwat, and the local headman of Dorbar Shnong Mawlangwir. The Union Minister further said that he will put all his efforts to address the concerns of the region at the earliest and said, “The Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji is committed to develop these Northeastern states  and the potential of tourism in these beautiful states.”

Later in the day, the Minister chaired a review meeting to assess tourism-related schemes in the district. During the session, the Minister enquired about tourist influx, the operation of homestays in the area, and assessed various schemes, including Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY), Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme and other initiatives aimed at boosting tourism in the district. The review meeting also covered discussions on activities and events to promote tourism in the district, as well as the importance of improving the quality of homestays and ensuring essential amenities, such as cafeterias at tourist spots.