Shillong, Feb 15: The BJP said on Tuesday that the inner line permit (ILP) is restrictive for the tourism sector, which is the main revenue earner for the state.
Speaking to reporters after the release of the party’s election manifesto in the city, BJP’s national secretary Rituraj Sinha said the issue of ILP has to be discussed with all stakeholders.
“However, the development of the state is led by tourism and ILP will be restrictive and cause revenue loss for the sector. So, this has to be deliberated and we will do so post-election,” Sinha said.
The BJP’s manifesto is silent on ILP but has several plans for the tourism sector. The party promises to invest Rs 1,000 crore to expand the tourism economy of Meghalaya. It also talks about introducing tourism skill mission to provide training and employment opportunities to 1 lakh youths.
For tourism infrastructure development, the party plans to construct and operationalise a seaplane port at Umiam Lake and a heritage airport in Shella. Among other things, BJP promises to create a new tourism circuit in Shillong, connecting UNESCO Heritage Living Root Bridge, Mawsmai caves and Dainthlen falls for a holistic travel experience.
Sinha also stayed away from giving a clear answer on uranium mining in the state. AICC general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh, who was in the city recently, made clear the Congress’s stand on the issue saying the party did not support uranium mining.
When Sinha was apprised of the Congress’s view, he said Ramesh and the party should focus on its performance in Meghalaya where it is losing ground.
