Meghalaya tourism policy soon: Lyngdoh

SHILLONG, February 14: A colourful monograph titled Dances and Festivals of Meghalaya published by the State Directorate of Information and Public Relations was released here on Monday by Finance Minister AH Scott Lyngdoh. Speaking on the occasion, he said, "The Cabinet is shortly considering a tourism policy for the State which will list incentives for the sector." The government is keen to speedily develop the tourist infrastructure in the State so as to tap the tremendous potential in the sector, he added. Scott Lyngdoh, who also holds the charge of I and PR, announced that the department will introduce seven mobile vans - one each in the seven districts - as part of an awareness programme in rural areas. The Rs 95-lakh project will bring a mix of education and entertainment for the rural masses. The monograph released on Monday is the fourth in a series of 21 volumes planned. The three earlier publications were on "Land and People", "Flora and Fauna" and "Places of Interest". Later, informally speaking to newsmen, the Finance Minister expressed apprehension that the State Budget for the coming financial year may be affected as the Union Finance Minister has warned of a "tough" Central Budget this year in the wake of the Gujarat disaster. He admitted that a number of rural development schemes which are implemented on a sharing basis by the Centre and the State have been adversely affected owing to the poor financial position of the Northeastern States. Expressing concern at the proliferation of schemes and changes in nomenclature of schemes, Scott Lyngdoh said : There is a need to reduce the number of schemes, streamlining these and improving the delivery system of the schemes."