Let us join hands to boost the sector: CM Sarma
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Tourism can be a game-changer that can bring socio-economic change in the nation especially in the NE region, said Union Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy while addressing the inaugural session of the conference of Tourism and Culture Ministers of the north-eastern States here on Monday.
The two-day meet is being organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and DoNER. It will deliberate on ways to further develop tourism and issues related to connectivity in the NER (North-East Region).
Also present on the occasion were Union Minister of State for Culture and Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal; Union Minister of State for tourism and Defence, Ajay Bhatt; and the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma; besides the Tourism Ministers of NE States.
Addressing the forum, Union Tourism Minister Reddy said that under the 'Swadesh Darshan Scheme' — which focuses on the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits — the Ministry has sanctioned 16 projects in the NE. He added that his Ministry is also giving special emphasis on developing infrastructure, on-ground capacity and skills in the Northeast region.
He further stated that various schemes and flagship initiatives of the Tourism Ministry are providing branding and marketing assistance to NE.
Union Minister Reddy informed that under 'PRASHAD', the Ministry has sanctioned several projects in the north-eastern region of the country, adding that "approximately Rs 200 crore has been sanctioned for these projects".
Referring to the DoNER Ministry initiatives, the Union Minister pointed out that in the Budget of 2021-22, the allocation to the north-eastern States is Rs 68,020 crore. He urged all the State governments in the region to submit viable proposals so that the full amount allocated across various ministries can be successfully utilized.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of State for Culture and Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal said that there are lots of avenues to boost tourism in the NE. Asserting that the infrastructural development in the region will enhance the development of tourism, the Minister said that the development in the tourism sector will automatically help the other allied sectors to develop and it will help the nation to grow.
Addressing the august gathering, Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted that a holistic approach is required for the development of the Tourism sector in NE. He added, "As a whole, the North East has to be promoted as a brand", adding that "connectivity and infrastructure facilities must be also developed here.
CM Sarma added, "All the NE States will have to join hands to boost Tourism. I'm sure that this synergy will usher in the required infrastructural changes within the next five years. This is also needed at the present juncture as many areas are untapped here.
"Moreover, tourism and culture have been playing an important role in the development of the Northeast region of the country. Each State in NE has its typical culture, but in general, there is a similarity – The exotic tourist-destination spots of the enchanting North East have not been getting the attention it deserves. This is primarily due to poor connectivity and communication.
In today's event, an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed between the Ministry of Tourism and IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation) to promote domestic tourism.
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