Newmai News Network
Shillong | November 3
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong has observed that tourism can become a source of livelihood for the people of Markham village.
Speaking on the final day of the Ri Khain Autumn Festival held at Laitmarok under Markham Village, Tynsong said that Markham has huge tourism potential owing to its natural beauty and called upon the community leaders to capitalize on this potential and thereby create jobs and a source of livelihood for the local residents.
Urging community leaders to emulate the example of Mawlynnong which has successfully tapped its tourism potential, Tynsong said, “Each household in Mawlynnong is earning almost R 25, 000 per month.”
Owing to the jobs created by Tourism in Mawlynnong village, Tynsong said that the local youth from the village upon completion of higher studies do not stay back in the cities but return to Mawlynnong and join the family business of tourism.
The Deputy Chief Minister also expressed the state government’s eagerness to promote tourism in the state as it understands that this sector can create jobs and improve the state’s economy. Towards this end, Tynsong said that the residents in Markham can avail the Homestay scheme which is a financial assistance scheme with 70 percent of assistance given as a loan whereas 30 percent is a subsidy.
Earlier in the day a host of competition was held which saw the participation of numerous people.
The final event of the Festival namely the third edition of Miss WahKynshi and Mr. Lumkyllang contest saw La-i-bynta J Nongsiej being crowned as the new Miss WahKynshi 2019 and Joelizer Syiemlieh being adjudged Mr Lum Kyllang 2019. It may be mentioned that the title winners took home prize money of Rs. 10,000 each whereas the first runner up and second runner up took home prize money of Rs. 7000 and Rs. 5000 each respectively.
Tynsong while alluding to the NH7 Festival being held at Jaintia Hills and Shillong Autumn Festival being held at Umiam stated that it is encouraging to note that a similar festival is being held in Laitmarok, Markham Village, West Khasi Hills and said that festivals such as these will go a long way in promoting the tourism potential of the area.
Also present in the occasion were local MLA and Minister Water Resources, HB Nongsiej, the SDO (C) Mairang Civil Sub – Division, A Nongbri, the EAC, Nongstoiñ, M Diengdoh, EAC, Mairang Civil Sub – Division, V Swer, the head of the DorbarKur Lyngdoh Nonglait, MS L Nonglait amongst others.
