Kohima, September 9 (MExN): Departmental review meeting of Tourism and Youth Resources & Sports was held with Chief Secretary, J Alam IAS at the Chef Secretary’s Conference Hall, Secretariat Kohima on September 9.
Director, Youth Resources & Sports, Akumla Chuba highlighted that the Department has been functioning with inadequate manpower hampering the smooth flow of affairs and also the department budget allotment constraint, stated a DIPR report. She stated that the department aims to promote sports and further develop sports infrastructural facilities, conduct tournaments, coaching camps, talent search, participation in Regional, National, and International levels of competition, training and nurturing the young talents in the sports academics. The Department plays an important role in channelizing the energy of youth for positive development and overall development of the state which includes promotion of Music and Arts, Adventure Program, outdoor learning, personality development, youth festivals, etc., and participation in Regional and National levels.
CS J Alam IAS, while addressing the issues asked the department to maintain transparency, equality and not have nepotism among the sports players, and maintain a database. He also mentioned that the distribution of sports equipment in villages was another way of promoting and encouraging sports to the youths and also said that the department's financial issues have been noted.
Commissioner & Secretary of Tourism, Kitto Zhimomi pointed out that the strategies of the department were to identify and export all key tourism products, develop quality tourism infrastructure and facilitation services, provide human resources development, develop marketing plans and create enabling environment for local tourism stakeholders. He explained that the upcoming projects and initiatives were the state institute of hotel management, ropeways, investment opportunities, IRCTC, off-road capital of the country, CSR opportunities, and Homestay and capacity building/skill development.
He also pointed out that many district officers and staff are functioning without offices, and land owner issues are hampering their progress.
CS, J Alam IAS while addressing these issues called upon the department of tourism to be industry-friendly, have tourism guides registered, follow the single window app, calculate the total industry output, and see to the feedback of the tourist. He asked the department to come up with a policy to encourage entrepreneurs for vehicle tourism with better luxury vehicles, give more publicity to boost tourism, and see what the people want.
