SHILLONG: The state government’s decision to hold the Meghalayan Age festival has not gone down well given the state’s financial situation and infrastructure. The government has invited tender for organising the world-class festival and the firm quoted Rs 2.6 crore for it.
Interestingly, the Meghalayan Age festival will be held in Thadlaskein, West Jaintia Hills but the Meghalayan Age type section is preserved at Mawmluh cave, Sohra.
The scientists in 2018 had uncovered a new geological age named after Meghalaya based on the data from the Mawmluh cave.
Sources said that it is illogical to hold a festival on Meghalayan Age in West Jaintia Hills as the reference is to Mawmluh.
Soliciting opinions on the matter, The Shillong Times spoke to social activist, Agnes Kharshiing who pointed to the financial problems being faced by government employees and farmers.
She said, “We are told salary of home guards has not been paid for 9 months. How can their families sustain? Also, rather than spending on these, stop exploitation of farmers in the market. How much is spent in such tamashas should be in the website so that the people can know”.
She took exception to the decision of the government to “beg” from the Centre for funds. “ Has our government gone to beg from the Centre for festivals? Utilization Certificate is never promptly provided by our government. We cannot even set up our own university. There is no money and we are a poor state, so where is the fund for these festivals coming from?”
President of Federation of Khasi Jaintia Garo People (FKJGP), Wellbirth Rani said the government takes interest to organise festivals which only results in wastage of public money.
“To promote tourism, we need good infrastructure and road connectivity, government is facing severe financial crisis. It should focus more on rural development like road and health care, increase farmers’ basic facilities. We have seen many festivals in our state but it contributes nothing to the general public”, he said.
)Rani said the government’s desire to promote tourism in the state is just lip service even as he pointed out that the government’s own agency – Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is running at a loss.
He also expressed concern over youths of the state not getting employment.
“No doubt we have good potential with regards to tourism sector when compared to other states in India but till today we see an individual’s effort only that helps promote tourism in our state. The government should give more financial support to them”, he added.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the iconic tourism event aims to brand Meghalaya of its ultimate high-end tourism potential. The nine-day Meghalayan Age Festival will be tentatively held from March 7 to 15.
Glamping will be held for the first time in the state and 50 five-star luxury tents will be put up for visitors, who can enjoy five-star facilities in the tent during the festival. For caving activities, different caves in the district have been identified and the government will target high-end tourists.
