Recommendation to Fin Min for spl tourism package in NE: Minister

The DoNER Ministry has recommended to the Finance Ministry higher allocation of funds and special package for development of tourism in the northeastern region, Union minister Jitendra Singh said today.

Singh, the minister for development of north eastern region, said this after a meeting with Union Tourism Minister K J Alphons here.

The Ministry of DoNER has recommended to the Finance Ministry higher fund allocation and special package for such projects in the NE region, he said.

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed proposals for identifying new projects on priority for development of tourism in the northeastern states, an official release said.

The meeting is part of continuing inter-ministerial discussions for development of the region.

Singh said under the North East Special Infrastructure Scheme (NESIDS), the DoNER Ministry is providing financial assistance for projects of physical infrastructure relating to water supply, power, connectivity for promoting tourism in the region.

He said this will be over and above the existing schemes of the central and state governments of the region.

Pointing out some new initiatives under Ministry of DoNER funded works, Singh said amenities have been created at Nathu La in Sikkim for acclimatisation of pilgrims undertaking Mansarover Yatra through this route.

He said such tourist facilities were being developed at the popular tourist hub Majuli island in Assam.

The improved connectivity has already seen growth in tourism in the NE region, which has immense potential to generate employment, he said.