SHILLONG, NOV 2: After taking oath as cabinet minister for the second time following his shift from UDP to NPP, West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh on Monday said Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma wanted continuity in tourism and he has accepted the challenge.
Lyngdoh was sworn in by Governor C H Vijayashankar at Raj Bhavan in the presence of CM Sangma, Deputy CMs Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, cabinet colleagues and MLAs.
Asked if he demanded any portfolio, he said, “No, I have not created any such demand. The Chief Minister told me he would like to see continuity in various activities in the tourism department, therefore he would like me to opt for this department which I have gladly accepted knowing the challenges that have come up in recent times. We need to deal with these challenges in a balanced manner, talking to the groups but also being firm. My responsibility is to ensure we bring tourism back on track.”
On revival plans, he said meetings will be convened within days.
“In a couple of days, I will convene meetings at various levels including top officers of the tourism department. Meghalaya has huge potential and there are projects which enhance the state’s stature as a tourism destination, so there can be no compromise on such projects,” he said.
On safety measures including CCTVs after recent crimes, he said, “There is a slew of measures in my mind and certainly we will enhance security and safety of not just visitors but all residents. The plan was afoot till last year when there was a sudden change of guards. Now I will need to reassess where things stand after a gap of more than a year.”
On whether he will also get Social Welfare, he said, “I have not been given any indication, but by tomorrow you will know.”
Asked if Metbah Lyngdoh was pressured to resign to accommodate him, Lyngdoh said, “Those are matters I am not familiar with because all that happened was in the CM Secretariat or CM bungalow. I am not privy to any information.”
Asserting his experience, he said, “I have done my level best to not just be in office but to be in power to ensure that power impacts the state positively. I have won four elections and been in the cabinet six times including today. I command experience, knowledge and familiarity with the Constitution, laws of the Assembly, traditional practices and functioning of ADCs. All these put together make one competent enough to handle any crisis.”
By Our Reporter
