Ri Khain Autumn Festival in West Khasi Hills
MARKHAM: The Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong on Sunday asserted that tourism can become a source of livelihood for the locals of Markham village in West Khasi Hills.
Speaking at the concluding day of Ri Khain Autumn Festival, the deputy CM said, “Markham got huge tourism potential owing to its natural beauty and called upon the community leaders to capitalise on this potential and create jobs for the local residents.”
Urging the community leaders to emulate the example of Mawlynnong which has successfully tapped its tourism potential, Tynsong said that each household in Mawlynnong is earning almost Rs.25,000 per month.
“The youths from the village upon completion of higher studies, do not stay back in the cities but return to Mawlynnong and join the family business of tourism.”
The deputy chief minister said that the state government is keen to promote tourism in the state as it understands that this sector can create jobs and improve the state’s economy. He also said that the residents in Markham can avail the Homestay scheme which is a financial assistance scheme with 70 per cent of the assistance is given as a loan whereas 30 per cent is a subsidy.
He lauded the organisers for the successful festival, while adding that similar festivals were being held at Jaintia Hills and Umiam and this was an encouraging trend as such festivals have proven to promote tourism.
Earlier in the day a host of competition was held which saw the participation of numerous people.
The final events of the festival included the 3rd edition of Miss Wah Kynshi and Mr. Lumkyllang contest. La-i-bynta J Nongsiej was crowned as the new Miss Wah Kynshi and Joelizer Syiemlieh was the Mr Lum Kyllang. It may be mentioned that the title winners took home prize money of Rs. 10,000 whereas the 1st Runner up and 2nd Runner up took home prize money of Rs. 7000 and Rs. 5000 each.
Others who attended the programme were H.B Nongsiej, Local MLA and Minister Water Resources etc, T. Lyngwa, Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills, A Nongbri, SDO (C) Mairang Civil Sub – Division, Mairang, M Diengdoh, EAC, Nongstoin, V Swer, EAC, Mairang Civil Sub – Division, MS L Nonglait, Head of the Dorbar Kur Lyngdoh Nonglait amongst others.