Morung Express News
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has proposed a special tourism package of at least Rs 600 crore in the 12th year plan for the north eastern states while another scheme to promote tourism in the region, solely for the 8 NE “sisters,” has been announced.
Financial details of second scheme for the NE states – declared a few days ago in the Parliament – has not been released yet. However, what the Union Ministry of Tourism has said is that the states would be pushed with support in product/infrastructure development of destinations/circuit, budget accommodation and hospitality facilities and financing eco-tourism projects.
In fact, even as one of the 8 “sisters”, Nagaland, is currently celebrating her biggest cultural event the Hornbill Festival in Kohima, the Tourism Ministry has already sanctioned at least 1,500 lakhs for product infrastructure development for destinations and circuits, for year 2011 to the State. The state’s Tourism department has said that the government of Nagaland “earmarked” Rs.2 crore for the seven-day Hornbill festival. Apparently, more funds from the ministry are forthcoming if the recently-announced scheme is anything to go by.
Minister of State of Tourism Sultan Ahmed told the Lok Sabha on November 25 that the ministry has launched a print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaign to promote various tourism destinations and products of the North-East Region.
Special dispensations have been set aside for the North Eastern States. For instance, under the scheme, the Centre would provide support in product/infrastructure development of destinations and circuit, allocation in the budget and so on.
Also, the ministry will provide ‘complimentary space’ to the NE states in India pavilions set up at major international travel fairs and exhibitions, a press information bureau report also said.
Also, the minister said in the Lok Sabha that fairs and festivals would receive 100% central financial assistance to the North Eastern States and the state of Jammu & Kashmir.
In fact, till October 31, 2011, the ministry has allocated substantial finance to Nagaland under two heads namely ‘Product infrastructure development for destinations and circuits’ and ‘scheme for organizing fairs and festivals and tourism related events.’
Product infrastructure development for destinations & circuits
In 2011, Nagaland was sanctioned a total of Rs. 1,577.000 lakhs for development of wayside amenities. The components are: development of amenities on National Highway-39, Dimapur to Khuzama gate (Rs. 777.000 lakhs); integrated tourism circuit of Jotsoma-Pholami-Tutukenjan-Akhegwo-Losami-Lozaphuhu (Rs. 800 lakhs)
In 2010, Nagaland was sanctioned at total of Rs. 2,864.890 lakhs under the same head. The components are: “Tourist Destination, Naga Heritage at Phesama (Rs. 479.730 lakhs); funds for “integrated tourist destination adventure cultural club Chizami” (Rs. 500 lakhs); integrated tourist eco-adventure and cultural circuit Changtongnya-Mingkong-Noksen-Tobu-Shatuya (Rs.784.700 lakhs); tourist travel circuit Vekoho-changsu-Tiyi and Totsu-Tseminyu-Neithu Phek” (Rs. 665.760 lakhs) and funds for “integrated tourist destination eco adventure cultural hub at Akito” (Rs. 434.700 lakhs).
Scheme “for organizing fairs, festivals and tourism related events”
Under the scheme, In 2011 Nagaland was sanctioned Rs. 5 lakhs for celebration of Naknyu Lem festival (festival of the Chang Nagas). Interestingly, records show that the Tourism Ministry has been allocating funds – normally from Rs. 5 to Rs 10 lakhs – toward celebration of premier festivals of the Naga tribes. Funds have been allocated even for the Hornbill Festival, as a matter of fact. For instance, in 2010, Nagaland got Rs. 45 lakhs ‘for celebration’ of Minkut festival (Rs.5 lakhs), Mongmong (Rs. 5 lakhs), Hornbill Festival- (Rs.20 lakhs) and even for an event called “Naga nite event” during October 29-30 in New Delhi (Rs. 10 lakhs) and ‘Naga cultural program at Dilli Haat during ‘Delhi celebrate’ (Rs. 5 lakhs).
Records show at least Rs. 5 lakhs each have been allocated for various Naga festivals in the previous years by the ministry as part of tourism-intensive funds.
