DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NORTH EASTERN REGION

Developments in the North Eastern Region (2024-25)

Projects Sanctioned by the Centre:

• Total Projects: 74 projects sanctioned under various schemes of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
• Financial Allocation: Rs 2806.82 crore allocated till February 28, 2024, in the financial year 2024-25.
• Key Scheme:
  • North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme – Other than Roads Infrastructure (NESIDS-OTRI):
    • 10 projects sanctioned under this scheme.
    • Total cost: Rs 969.82 crore.
• Implementation Factors:
  • Geographical location and terrain.
  • Availability of land and statutory clearances.
  • Removal of obstacles and financial closure.

Growth of the Tourism Sector:

• Tourist Inflow in 2023:
  • Domestic Tourists: 1,20,78,776
  • Foreign Tourists: 2,21,050
• Top Destinations (Domestic Tourists):
  • Assam: 76,12,720 visitors
  • Meghalaya: 13,71,674 visitors
  • Sikkim: 13,21,169 visitors
• Foreign Tourist Distribution:
  • Sikkim: 93,908
  • Tripura: 66,708
  • Assam: 23,818

Government Initiatives to Promote Tourism

• Tourism Ministry Schemes:
  • Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Focuses on developing thematic tourist circuits.
  • PRASHAD (National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive): Enhances pilgrimage tourism.
  • Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development: Provides financial aid for tourism infrastructure.
• Financial Support:
  • State Governments, Union Territories, and central agencies receive financial assistance for tourism-related infrastructure, including in the North Eastern Region.

Community Involvement in Tourism Development

• Local Consultation:
  • Encouragement for due consultation with local communities during tourism project planning to ensure sustainable development and cultural preservation.

Promotional Activities for North Eastern Tourism

• Promotion Strategies:
  • Promotional Events, Fairs, and Festivals: Organized to attract tourists.
  • Exhibitions and Social Media Campaigns: Boosts visibility of tourist destinations.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration with state governments and tourism stakeholders.

Capacity Building and Skill Development

• Central Institutes of Hotel Management (CIHMs):
  • Located in Guwahati and Shillong, offering professional education and training in hospitality management.
• Skill Development Programs:
  • Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP): Focuses on education, training, and certification across various hospitality sectors.