IMPHAL, November 30: Manipur and the other North Eastern States have huge potentials in tourism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said and promised to help promote the richness of the State to the outside world to develop tourism in Manipur.
The Prime Minister, speaking at the concluding function of the Manipur Sangai Festival at the Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre today said tourism is the fastest growing sector in the world.
Tourism is one sector which requires little input and investment and gain maximum return at the same time. It can benefit all, starting from tea-sellers to taxi drivers and others, he said.
The Prime Minister also said that the Centre will provide all possible help to the State.
Manipur gave to the world the game of Polo, he said adding that he will help in promoting the game to encourage tourist to flock into the State.
Recalling an earlier plan, he said during his stint as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he had proposed to the Chief Ministers of the North Eastern States to send 200 women police personnel each to his State.
He elaborated this would not only help in national integration but also help encourage tourism in the North Eastern States.
Modi continued that he has already suggested to the authorities of HRD to make 100 students from each universities in the country to visit North East annually to promote tourism. He continued his speech with his plan to recruit youth from the region in the Delhi Police and desire to bring the IT sector into the region.
Referring to the State Chief Minister`™s earlier address urging assistance from the Centre in improving infrastructure in the State including roads and hospitals, the Prime Minister said he was happy that the Chief Minister has faith in his government and that it will fulfil its promises.
Promising to look into all the requests, the Prime Minister said he will discuss the issues once he returns to Delhi.
The Prime Minister said he wants to see the whole of North East developed and altogether Rs 60,000 crores had been earmarked in the Budget for developing infrastructure in the region.
Speaking of connectivity, the Prime Minister said during his recent trip to Myanmar most of his discussions with the leaders of the neighbouring country were on connectivity between Imphal and Myanmar.
He also said Manipur is rich in art, culture, tradition and can be described as the capital of arts and culture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also assured the setting up of a Sports university in the State and said Manipur has contributed much in making the country proud in sports.
The opening of the university will not only help in promoting sportspersons, but boost employment tremendously by producing dieticians, ground men, coaches and many other experts relating to sports he said.
Lauding the State for its contribution in the field of sports, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the drug menace in the State.
He said he feels sad on hearing about the drug issue.
He appealed to the youth to stay away from drugs and not allow it to destroy their families.
We cannot allow our future to be destroyed, so the people must work together to fight this issue, the Prime Minister said.