Shillong, May 11: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr. Jitendra Singh and Union Minister for Tourism, Alphons Joseph Kannanthanam on Friday discussed proposals for identifying new projects on priority for development of tourism in the North Eastern states.

The discussion took place during a meeting between the two Union Ministers in New Delhi. The meeting was part of continuing inter-ministerial discussions for development of North Eastern states.

After the meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the Ministry of DoNER has recommended to the Union Finance Ministry for higher fund allocation and special package for such projects in the North Eastern region.

The Minister said under the ‘North East Special Infrastructure Scheme (NESIDS), the DoNER Ministry is providing financial assistance for projects of physical infrastructure relating to water supply, power, connectivity for promoting tourism in the region.

He said that this will be over and above the existing schemes of the Central and State governments of the NE region.

Dr. Singh said that under the North Eastern Council (NEC), work is underway for promotion of theme-based regional tourism circuits.

Pointing out some new initiatives under Ministry of DoNER funded works, Dr. Singh said that amenities have been created at Nathu La in Sikkim for acclimatisation of pilgrims undertaking Mansarover Yatra through this route.

He added that such tourist facilities are being developed at the popular tourist hub Majuli island in Assam.

He also said that improved connectivity has already seen growth in tourism in the North Eastern region, which has immense potential to generate employment.

Union Tourism Minister, Alphons said, development of tourism and identifying new tourist hubs in the North Eastern region is a priority of his ministry, adding that funds will be made available for this task.

He said that the North Eastern region has great locations which could be ideal as film shooting destinations and great attraction for tourists from South East Asian countries.

“The Ministry of Tourism will provide support for boosting tourism avenues in the North Eastern region,” he added.

Ministry of DoNER Secretary, Naveen Verma and other senior officials of both the ministries were also present.