Congress leader for balanced curbs to boost state’s growth

SHILLONG, Sep 27: State Congress secretary Manuel Badwar has suggested that economic restrictions, if applied thoughtfully, could drive significant growth for Meghalaya, particularly in the tourism sector.
Stressing the need for a careful and strategic approach, he said, “If restrictions allow you to achieve certain growth parameters, it is okay. But we need to tread cautiously and cleverly.”
Referring to the demands of local taxi drivers to limit the entry of Assam’s tourist vehicles beyond certain points in Shillong, Badwar noted that Meghalaya might not yet be equipped to cater to tourism demand if such restrictions are enforced immediately, particularly due to a shortage of local vehicles.
“We might not be ready now. Suppose even if we disallow tourist vehicles from outside entering certain strategic locations, we don’t have enough vehicles to cater to that market,” he said, acknowledging that transportation plays a crucial role in Meghalaya’s tourism sector, which the government aims to expand.
Citing Sikkim as an example, Badwar highlighted how restrictions there fostered local economic growth. “We need economic growth in tourism, and even if it means restricting outside vehicles, it’s acceptable. No country operates on a fully open playing field,” he maintained.
Addressing concerns over recent threats from Assam-based associations in response to the state’s taxi drivers’ demands, Badwar dismissed fears of a blockade on goods and services.