My responsibility is to clearly ensure that we bring tourism back on track… We need to deal with challenges in a balanced manner — talking to groups but also being firm.
– Paul Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister
Shillong, Nov 3: In another significant political development in Meghalaya, former minister Paul Lyngdoh, who lost his cabinet berth in just a year ago, is back in it, albeit representing a different party now.
The former UDP legislator, who along with two other MLAs shifted allegiance to the ruling NPP, was sworn in as a cabinet minister for a second time in MDA government on Monday.
The oath was administered by Governor C H Vijayashankar at Raj Bhavan in presence of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar and other ministers.
The West Shillong legislator said he did not demand any portfolio but accepted Tourism portfolio on the Chief Minister’s request for continuity.
“The Chief Minister told me he would like to see continuity in various activities in the Tourism department. Therefore he would like me to opt for this department which I have gladly accepted knowing the challenges that have come up in recent times,” Lyngdoh told reporters.
“My responsibility is to clearly ensure that we bring tourism back on track and that is something I will accelerate. We need to deal with challenges in a balanced manner — talking to groups but also being firm,” he added.
He said he will review the sector in the next few days.
“In a matter of a couple of days, I will convene meetings at various levels including top-notch officers of the tourism department. Meghalaya has huge potential and there are projects which enhance the stature of the state as a tourism destination, so there can be no compromise on such projects,” he said.
On the safety of tourists after recent incidents, he said, “There is a slew of measures which I have in mind and certainly we will enhance security and safety of not just visitors but whole residents. The plan was afoot till last year when there was a sudden change of guards. Now I will reassess where things stand after a gap of more than one year.”
When asked if he is getting Social Welfare as well, he said, “I have not been given any indication, but by tomorrow you will come to know.”
On reports that Metbah Lyngdoh was made to resign to pave way for him, Lyngdoh said, “I am not privy to any information. All I can tell you is that I have done my level best to not just be in office but to be in power to ensure that the power we exercise impacts the state positively.”
Highlighting his experience, he said, “You need a combination of experience, education and vision. I am not trying to blow my own trumpet, but I have won four elections and been in the cabinet six times including today…”
