By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 12: The state government’s claims that holding of mega festivals would pay rich dividends for Meghalaya will be put to the test as the VPP has decided to seek a report card from the state government on the recently concluded Cherry Blossom and Me.gong festivals.
“We have to make the government accountable and the best way to hold them accountable is to seek a report card from them,” VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh said on Tuesday.
“The government has to explain the benefits of such festivals,” he added.
Severely criticising the government, Myrboh said it was necessary to go to the basics when one talks about development. “Good education, healthcare and proper roads and communication and uninterrupted supply of power are the critical areas and once you ensure these sectors work, development will take place,” he argued.
He slammed the growing number of festivals in the state at a time when other indicators like health and employment was going down.
He also pointed out that organising festivals and spending crores of rupees with the belief that it will push tourism upward will bring no benefit since tourism without proper infrastructure will not be sustainable.
He spoke about a report that tourism in Mawlynnong and Dawki areas had been badly affected due to the dismal road conditions. “What kind of contribution will these festivals make when we have pathetic roads everywhere? Even in Shillong you will find potholes everywhere. What kind of developmental model does this government have?”
Congress MLA, Saleng Sangma echoed the VPP spokesperson and advised the state government to stop thinking about the rich and work for each and every citizen.
“Look at the situation in Meghalaya. How can we enjoy such lavish festivals when people are suffering, students and not getting their scholarships, teachers have not been paid their dues, and even GHADC staff have not received their salary for over 30 months,” Sangma said.
He said that in order to boost tourism in Garo Hills, the state government should amend the terms and conditions of the loan secured by the entrepreneurs to build homestays since many are unable to repay the loan.