Mairang, 2nd November 2019:“Tourism can become a source of livelihood for Markham’s people” said Deputy Chief Minister PrestoneTynsong today at the final day of RiKhain Autumn Festival held at Laitmarok,Markham Village.
Attending the festival as the Chief Guest, Shri Tynsong said that Markham has a huge tourism potential owing to its natural beauty and called upon the community leaders to capitalise 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, Shri Tynsong said that each household in Mawlynnong is earning almost Rs.25, 000/- per month. Owing to the jobs created by Tourism in Mawlynnong village, Shri Tynsong saidthat local youths 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 said that the state government is very keen to promote tourism in the state as it understands that this sector can create jobs and improve the state’s economy. Towards this end, Shri Tynsong said that the residents in Markham can avail the Homestay scheme which is a financial assistance scheme with 70 percent of the assistance is given as a loan whereas 30 percent is a Subsidy.
He lauded the organisers for the successful festival, while adding that similar festivals were being held at Jaintia Hills and Umiam and this was an encouraging trend as such festivals have proven to promote tourism. Earlier in the day a host of competition was held which saw the participation of numerous people.
The final event of the Festival i.e. the 3rd 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 whereas the 1st Runner up and 2nd Runner up took home prize money of Rs. 7000 and Rs. 5000 each.
Shri Tynsong while alluding to 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 to promote the tourism potential of the Area.
Present in the occasion were Shri HB Nongsiej, Local MLA and Minister Water Resources etc, Shri A Nongbri, SDO (C) Mairang Civil Sub – Division, Mairang, Shri M Diengdoh, EAC, Nongstoiñ, Shri V Swer, EAC, Mairang Civil Sub – Division, Shri MS L Nonglait, Head of the DorbarKur Lyngdoh Nonglait amongst others.
