Union Minister for Culture & Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today visited South West Khasi Hills district and was in awe with the cultural and natural beauty of Meghalaya.
He said that the maximum potential of tourism in the country lies in the Northeastern states and Meghalaya in particular.
During his visit, the Union Minister toured various attractions, including the Hot Spring at Jakrem village, Synrang Mawrin at Mawten, Mawkyrduk Monolith (Tynrong) at Mawlangwir, and the picturesque Mawranglang viewpoint.
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 and stated that the country is recognised as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and the potential of tourism is increasing every day.
The Union Minister also referred to his meet with the Tourism Ministers 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 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 said.
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 Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, along with representatives from Dorbar Shnong Mawten, Principal of Sngap Syiem College, and the local headman of Dorbar Shnong Mawlangwir.
The Union Minister said that he will put all his efforts to address the concerns of the region at the earliest.
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.
