Nongpoh, March 8: Hailing the performance of the state in terms of project implementation, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma revealed that the state has been the highest beneficiary of the central government’s externally aided projects worth a whooping Rs 7500 Crore.
The chief minister made this statement on Friday while laying the foundation Stone of the Mawlyndep Hospitality Complex, at Mawlyndep Village in Ri-Bhoi District, in the presence of Tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh and Rajya Sabha MP from Meghalaya Dr. W. R. Kharlukhi.
The hospitality project coming up at a cost of Rs 29 crores will be spread over an area of approximately 10 acres.
The project has been sanctioned under the New Development Bank, an externally aided project which is part of the BRIC Nations initiative.
Meghalaya has received funds close to Rs 7500 crores under EAPs, which are being invested to develop tourism, health and education infrastructures.
Our investment in tourism alone is around Rs 4000 crores, which in turn would create 50,000 jobs in the State.
We are developing… pic.twitter.com/PHhLc3yGKZ
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) March 8, 2024
During the event, the chief minister also took time to clear any misconceptions in regards to obtaining loans from various sources, especially from foreign banks, by the state.
“The Government of Meghalaya has been taking funds from International Institutions but this is coming through the Government of India which has been subsidised at a rate of 72 %,” clarified the chief minister.
He announced that the state government is focusing on employment generation for which they would be investing approximately 4000 Crores in the tourism sector in the next four years that will lead to the creation of an estimated 50,000 jobs for the youth of the state.
“Just yesterday also, an additional 120 crores was sanctioned by the Prime Minister for development in East Khasi Hills and other parts of the state,” reminded the chief minister.
He also mentioned that there is huge potential for the state to benefit from the release of the Northeast Industrial Policy by the Government of India.
On completing the project at Mawlyndep the Chief Minister said, “Work order has already been given to the contractors and expect it to be completed in 24 months time with the inauguration scheduled for the year 2026.”
Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh said that tourism is a viable and sustainable means of livelihood and a revenue generation opportunity which has stood the test of time.
As an example he cited Sohra which has immensely benefitted from tourism as in contrast to MCCL which is on the brink of closure.
Dr. W R Kharlukhi in his speech said that the adoption of Mawlyndep on the concept village of model village is not just about development but inclusiveness of community cooperation, participation and also in terms of a broader mindset to be able to harness a healthy tourism ecosystem here at the village.
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