SHILLONG: 13th May 2022 (PTI Source)
The economic surplus, according to North Eastern Council Secy. Moses K Chalai, is out of balance with overall infrastructure development with respect to income and jobs.
On May 9 and 10, 2022, the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research & Analysis of IIM Shillong hosted a two-day Roundtable Discussion on 'Developing a Framework for Seamless Tourist Movements to the North Eastern States of India' as part of the Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, which commemorated 75 years of India's independence.
Moses K Chalai graced the event as the Chief Guest, alongside IIM Director Profesor D.P. Goyal, APJ Abdul Kalam Center Coordinator Dr Sanjeev Ningombam, and other dignitaries who were present at the inaugural event.
The occasion was followed by three joint and three parallel sessions.
Chalai said, “Despite the region's potential for tourism and development of large infrastructure, generation of income remains a pain point and major issue in the Northeast.”
He also spoke of the thriving ‘offbeat' travel industry, which has enormous potential in the North Eastern Region and could be turned into a major income generator if it is utilized to its full potential to attract tourists and visitors.
In his speech, Prof. DP Goyal, Director of IIM Shillong, stressed the importance of working at the ground level to address issues surrounding developing a framework for seamless tourist movement.
The subject of the lack of data to track the influx of tourists and their overall contribution to the state's economy was addressed in Ningombam's welcome speech. Ningombam further added, "It is past time we boosted tourism and used its full potential to tackle social and economic issues in the North-East."