Newly inducted Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh, returning to the Meghalaya Cabinet for the second time in three years, on Monday vowed to bring tourism back on track, asserting that there would be no compromise on projects aimed at enhancing the State’s stature as a tourism destination. He said Meghalaya had immense tourism potential and accelerating key projects would be among his priorities.
Lyngdoh said he had made no demands or suggestions regarding portfolio allocation, adding that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had sought continuity in the Tourism Department, which he had gladly accepted. “Not made any such demands or even suggestions. The only thing that Chief Minister had told me was that he would like to see continuity in the various activities of the tourism department. Therefore, he would like to me to opt for this department which I have gladly accepted.” Acknowledging the challenges facing the sector, he said, “So, I think my responsibility is to clearly ensure that we bring tourism back on track, and that is something that I would accelerate work upon to ensure that we are back on track.” He said he would convene meetings with officials, including senior officers of the department, within the next couple of days.
On plans to strengthen security through CCTV installations, Lyngdoh said, “Well, there is a slew of measures which I have in mind, and certainly we will enhance security and safety of not just visitors, but all residents.” He said, “In fact, the plan was afoot till last year when there was a certain change of guards. So, now, I will of course need to reassess where things stand after a gap of more than one.”
Asked whether he would also be handling the Social Welfare Department, Lyngdoh said, “I have not been given any indications, but by tomorrow, you’ll come to know.”
