From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, March 10: Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton L. Tongkhar on Tuesday stated that tourism is the primary alternative sector capable of generating massive employment in Meghalaya, with the potential to even surpass the stone and coal mining sectors in job creation.
Tongkhar was speaking as the chief guest at a tourism workshop jointly organised by the Officers’ Club and the South West Khasi Hills District Administration at the Mawkyrwat Community Hall.
In his address, he urged the youths to focus on the sector to uplift the regional economy. “God has blessed our state with this beautiful environment. I call upon the youths of our district to concentrate on tourism,” Tongkhar said, adding that residents must take responsibility to ensure the district attracts visitors from across the world by adopting a welcoming mindset.
Addressing concerns raised by pressure groups regarding local employment, Tongkhar supported the stance that work capable of being handled by locals should be reserved for them.
However, he clarified that this should not discourage the arrival of visitors. “When it comes to tourists who come to visit our beautiful district, let us welcome them as this will benefit us and our people,” he remarked.
On the other hand, Ranikor MLA Pius Marwein acknowledged that poor road conditions remain a significant hurdle for the sector.
He informed the gathering that he and Tongkhar are pursuing the matter with the government, which remains committed to improving connectivity and investing in the district’s tourism infrastructure.
He then urged local residents to cooperate with the state as it invests crores of rupees into regional development.
The workshop was attended by Deputy Commissioner B. Mawlong, officials from the Meghalayan Age, and local entrepreneurs and stakeholders from across the district.
