Alphons downplays rejection of tourism package

SHILLONG: Union Minister KJ Alphons has downplayed the rejection of religious tourism package by some churches.
It was in December last that Alphons had announced the tourism package of over Rs 70 crore during a news conference in the city.
While the Mawkhar Presbyterian Church had said that it was not a party to the decision taken by the government, the Parish Pastoral Council of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians (Catholic Church) had maintained that it did not apply for any financial help from the Centre.
“It is not a new scheme and there is nothing political in developing the infrastructure facilities of the worshipping places in the state,” Alphons told The Shillong Times in his response.
According to Alphons, he had consulted the heads of all the religious groups before releasing the package.
To a query on the timing of the package, Alphons said the government cannot stop working even if the polls are round the corner.