Shillong, Nov 24: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Wednesday emphasized the importance of festivals as a means of boosting the livelihood of the local people.

Reacting to criticisms against the government’s decision to organize festivals on the backdrop of teachers having to work without salary for many months, Rymbui said, “You know festivals also bring livelihood to the people.”

He further claimed that his home constituency, Amlarem, got a Rs 18 crore road project through the Meghalayan Age Festival.

“The people criticized about the Meghalayan Age festival but by organizing the Meghalaya Age Festival, the government of Meghalaya through World Bank has got a sanction of Rs 18 crore for one road from Kudeng-thymmai to Kudeng-rim in my own constituency,” he said.

Rymbui also argued that it would not be fair to say that implementation of various projects should be stopped just because there is a delay in the release of the employees’ salary.

He also assured the people of the state that the government is trying its best to resolve any problems faced by the state.