Ministry moots special tourism package for NE

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region has recommended to the Finance Ministry higher allocation of funds and special package for development of tourism in the region, DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh said on Friday after a meeting with Union Tourism Minister K.J. Alphons here.

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 a part of the continuing inter-Ministerial discussions for development of the region.

Mr. Singh said under the North East Special Infrastructure Scheme (NESIDS), the DoNER Ministry is providing financial assistance for infrastructure projects relating to water supply, power and 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 funded by the Ministry of DoNER, Mr. Singh said amenities have been created at Nathu La in Sikkim for acclimatisation of pilgrims undertaking the Mansarovar Yatra. He said tourist facilities were also being developed at the popular Majuli island in Assam.