In less than two years since they were inaugurated, the state government has spent more than Rs 2 crore on holding various programmes at the luxurious hotels Taj Vivanta and Courtyard by Marriott.
This was informed by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in response to a query from government adviser Banteidor Lyngdoh in the Assembly today.
There have been 23 programmes held by the state government in these two hotels since they began operations and a total of Rs 2.1496 crore was incurred to hold them there, which equates to Rs 9.34 lakh per event. The G20 summit at the Marriott cost Rs 62 lakh alone.
Lyngdoh also asked whether it was really required to hold these programmes there when the state owns facilities like Hotel Pinewood, the revamped State Central Library, Lariti Centre, etc.
In response, Sangma said that some important programmes have to be held in luxury hotels to provide proper comfort and services to the delegates but other events are still organised at the State Central Library, Pinewood and State Convention Centre. The government will also encourage further five-star hotels as the combined capacity of the Vivanta and Marriott is only around 300 rooms.
Gambegre MLA Saleng Sangma of the opposition Congress Party opined that the government should promote local entrepreneurs and local hotels. The CM said that his government is promoting around 500 homestays and funds have been earmarked for entrepreneurs to build tourist villas.
