Shillong, June 30: The state government on Monday launched Prime Tourism Vehicles.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh jointly launched the vehicles aimed at transportation of tourists to various destinations.
Both the chief minister and tourism minister hoped that tourism sector will get a boost after the initiative that came after 51 years.
16 vehicles were given to various tour operators.
Conrad said the government plans to provide 50 vehicles and in next five years there will be 250 vehicles.
The subsidy is 50 percent assisted by the Meghalaya Rural Bank.
The chief minister said the welcome gestures of drivers can make a difference to the tourists and there is a need to provide training to them.
Senior government official D Vijay Kumar said the intention is to increase the income and livelihood of the people.
Tourism minister late by 45 minutes
Earlier, the chief minister and officers waited for some time for tourism minister to arrive for the launch of the vehicles.
The minister joined the event at 1.45 pm but the programme was from 1 pm.
Even before the arrival of the tourism minister, the event started.
Later, the tourism minister took part in distribution of keys of the vehicles to the tour operators and he also addressed the gathering.
