Union Minister Kiren Rijiju today advocated a change in mindset of the people to explore the tourism potential of the North-East, including Arunachal Pradesh.
Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day Bomdila Festival-2015, which showcases the unique cultural mosaic of Arunachal, Rijiju said, "People from rest of India are keen to visit NE region but get scared to visit for the negative impact of insurgency."
Though communication and infrastructure facilities pose problems, what is needed is behavioural change of the people, particularly tour operators to attract tourists," the Union Minister of State for Home said.
He advocated creating mass awareness on how to treat the visitors, what to show them, acquaint them with high altitude problems and send them back to their respective place working "as our brand ambassador".
"Tourism is known as the largest industry in the world," he said and called for steps for the tourism sector to take up to benefit the masses by generating revenue and employment.
The Centre releases over Rs 516 crore monthly to the state government, he informed responding to the charge of financial crisis.
Rijiju added Union MoS (Finance) Jayant Sinha during his recent Itanagar visit had "discovered" there was no dearth of fund but the state lacked in fund allocation and project implementation.
"I have plans to travel along the Bhalukpong-Baisakhi road to assess if the BRO has fulfilled its promise or not," he said, adding project for building all border villages, including smallest village of the state will be approved soon.
The sooner the state government submits the DPR for roads, the quicker it would be approved, he added.
"I have evolved a blueprint for the NE. The border trade with Bleting (Bhutan) and Pangsau Pass (Myanmar) would be introduced soon," he informed.
"I will travel from Bhalukpong upto Tawang to see whether
Border Road Organization has keep his promise to bring changes in condition of road for traveling," Rijiju added.
The Centre would not distinguish on party line for the development of people which should be accountable, he said, urging to draw his attention for any lacuna in the Central government.
"I cannot give my MP fund to every house but I will give it to every circle and areas for developmental activities. What I require is only cooperation from concerned authority and public," Rijiju pointed out.
Elaborating on the tourism activities, including adventure and culture, Rijiju said the Centre would sanction Rs 150 crore to state's tourism sector, including West Kameng by next month.
He announced to arrange annual fund for this festival from next year.
The minister suggested while the International Tourism festival at Tawang should continue the Buddha Mohatsava at Bomdila be revived and today's indigenous festival be celebrated at different locations on rotation basis.
