Mukul launches Tourism devp scheme, e-service for Taxation dept
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Saturday dwelt at length on the initiatives the State Government is going to take in various important sectors for the overall development of the State.
Speaking at the official function to commemorate the 40th year of Statehood for Meghalaya on Saturday, Dr Sangma said that under the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme, a number of interventions in the mission mode are being undertaken in the sectors of horticulture, animal husbandry, aquaculture, sericulture & weaving and water and natural resources management.
“The core objective of these missions is to facilitate sustainable livelihoods for the people by leveraging upon the strengths of the State in terms of availability of abundant natural resources,” the Chief Minister said while adding that these programmes are expected to have a very significant impact on the economy of the State, especially in the rural sector.
In order to promote tourism in the State, he said that the State has brought out the Tourism policy which envisages formulation of new schemes and incentives to attract investment in the tourism sector. He also stated that availability of quality accommodation is a vital component for development of tourism in Meghalaya.
He informing the gathering that in line with the policy of providing incentives and for promotion of investment in the tourism sector, the government has launched the Meghalaya Tourism Development and Investment Promotion Scheme, 2012.
“The scheme will provide incentive to local entrepreneurs for development of resorts and home stays and an opportunity for the entrepreneurs of Meghalaya to partner with the Government in building tourism infrastructure in the State,” Dr Sangma stated.
He also added that the Government would go all out to revive the State’s past glory as the ‘Centre of Education’.
To achieve this objective, the Chief Minister said the government is planning to come up with scholarship schemes for young people who want to undergo training for teaching. These scholarships would be awarded to only those people who aspire to become teachers.
On the health sector, he said that the Government is totally committed to upgrade the health infrastructures in order to provide the people with the best health care facilities in the State.
Dr Sangma also reiterated that the State Government was in favour of connecting Meghalaya with the rest of the country through railways.
Pointing out that transportation of goods by road is highly expensive, Dr Sangma said that the people of the State should be receptive to the idea of introducing railway in Meghalaya.
He appealed to the NGOs, who have reservations over the railway coming to the State, to allow survey and preparations of detailed project reports for the purpose of introducing the railway.
“I am aware that the NGOs have their reservation against railway in the State because of the fear of influx. I know that this reservation they have is a genuine one. I assure the NGOs that the Government would deal with the problem of influx with the right earnest,” Dr Sangma said.
Exhorting government employees to be transparent and accountable in their work, the Chief Minister said, “We should remember that civil society has become very vigilant now. Governance should be in conformity with the aspirations of the people and government employees have to be more transparent and accountable in their dealings.”
He also stressed on the importance of opening up the international borders with Bangladesh and also Myanmar to facilitate trade and commerce between Meghalaya and the two countries.
While informing that the Government would soon introduce a scheme for financial inclusion of women, he said that the scheme is being implemented to bring about economic empowerment of the women in the State.
“With further improvement in infrastructure and communication like four-lane highways, Shillong Bypass, railway lines and airports, the resource-rich State of ours is poised to witness rapid progress and development,” Dr Sangma said.
As part of the celebration, the Chief Minister launched the Meghalaya Tourism Development and Investment Promotion Scheme 2012.
Besides, Dr Sangma also launched the e-services scheme of the Taxation department. The e-services is aimed at bringing transparency and to cut down any form of manipulation in the taxation department.
15 government employees were bestowed with the Meghalaya Day Excellence Award on the occasion while two localities of the city — Mission Compound and Lummawrie, Laitumkhrah — were awarded for being the cleanest localities in Shillong.