Shillong, Oct 31: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has strongly defended the government’s support to holding various seasonal festivals to promote tourism in the state.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, the Chief Minister asserted that these festivals have brought impressive returns on the investment made by the government.
Referring to the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, he said the state government garnered a staggering Rs 130 crore from an investment of Rs 20 crore made during the previous year’s event.
“These are clear numbers which show that concerts and economies around festivals are productive and they prove that they do create jobs,” he said.
“…it does bring up the brand value of the state,” he added.
On the criticism that the government is prioritising festivals over other sectors, Sangma said, “When we look at development, then we have to see every aspect of development… We budget funds for every different sector and different activity.”
Highlighting government’s investments in various sectors, he said, “Education gets Rs 3,500 crore of our budget… We put funds in every sector because every sector has to grow.”
He emphasized that festivals like the Cherry Blossom have contributed to Shillong’s popularity as a tourist destination.
“Today Shillong is one of the most-sought-after destinations… Because of festivals and programmes like these,” he said.
