‘Govt neglects local entrepreneurs, spends over Rs 2.13 crore in five star hotels’
Shillong, Feb 22: Cong MLA Saleng Sangma said local hospitality sectors should have been used instead of Vivanta and Courtyard for organising government programmes as an expenditure of Rs 2.13 crore was incurred by the government for conducting 23 programmes in these two hotels.
Raising a supplementary question in this regard in the Assembly on Thursday, the Gambegre MLA said preference should have been given to local entrepreneurs.
Of Rs 2.13 crore, Rs 62.47 lakh was spent for the G-20 summit, Conrad said in reply to a question raised by Mawkynrew MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh.
Justifying the need to hold government programmes in such luxurious hotels, the chief minister said, “Government has to host programmes, it is a normal process. It is a matter of pride that we could host the G-20 summit, it is nothing out of the ordinary as we can showcase and provide proper service to delegates so that they go back with good memories.”
Later , speaking to reporters, Saleng said real memories cannot be cherished from five star hotels as they are the same everywhere.
The chief minister said depending on the programme, the government chooses a location.
He said almost 80-85% of the staff in the two hotels are local people.
Conrad said the CM-Elevate programme is meant for local entrepreneurs as the government will expand home stays and villas.
