Shillong: During his visit to South West Khasi Hills district on Tuesday, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, praised the cultural and natural beauty of Meghalaya and highlighted the immense tourism potential in the Northeastern states, particularly in Meghalaya. Emphasizing the region’s potential, he encouraged people to visit and experience Meghalaya, stating, “Meghalaya has immense tourism potential. Come, let us all visit and experience Meghalaya—its culture and natural beauty.”
The Union Minister visited several 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. During his visit, local cultural performances, including songs by Ki Sur Ki Nongkyndong and traditional dances by the Ri-Maram Folk Academy of Mawlangwir, were showcased. He commended the performers for their vibrant displays, praising the cultural programs organized by the state government at the tourist sites.
Shekhawat also discussed his recent meeting in Shillong with Tourism Ministers from the Northeastern States and Union Territories, aimed at exploring and enhancing the tourism potential of the region. Each state presented their tourism strategies, sharing successes and challenges. The Minister lauded the efforts of the state governments, noting, “The states have shared their plans and the promising prospects during the meeting, and I am confident their ambitious goals will create tremendous opportunities for tourists to experience the rich cultural heritage, beautiful locations, and pleasant weather.”
He further highlighted that the growth of tourism will significantly impact the local communities by improving their economic conditions and quality of life. He expressed optimism, stating, “In the near future, tourism will become the primary driver of the economy of the Northeastern states.”
During his visit, memorandums were presented to the Union Minister by local MLA Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, along with representatives from Dorbar Shnong Mawten, the Principal of Sngap Syiem College Mawkyrwat, and the headman of Dorbar Shnong Mawlangwir. Shekhawat assured them that he would address the concerns of the region promptly, reaffirming the commitment of the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to develop the Northeastern states and unlock their tourism potential.
Later in the day, the Minister chaired a review meeting to assess tourism-related schemes in the district. He inquired about tourist influx, the operation of homestays, and evaluated various schemes, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY), Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), and the Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme, all aimed at boosting tourism in the district.
The review meeting also covered discussions on activities and events to promote tourism, the importance of improving the quality of homestays, and ensuring essential amenities like cafeterias at tourist spots.
