SHILLONG : Newly re-inducted Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh has said he will reassess ongoing tourism projects and strengthen security measures to ensure the safety of tourists as well as residents across Meghalaya.

Lyngdoh, who took oath as a Cabinet Minister for the second time after switching from the United Democratic Party (UDP) to the National People’s Party (NPP), said Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma wanted continuity in the Tourism Department and that he had gladly accepted the responsibility.

He was administered the oath of office by Governor C H Vijayashankar at Raj Bhavan on Monday in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, Cabinet colleagues and MLAs.

Asked whether he had demanded a particular portfolio, Lyngdoh said he had made no such request, adding that the Chief Minister had expressed his desire for continuity in the functioning of the Tourism Department.

“The Chief Minister told me he would like to see continuity in various activities in the tourism department, therefore he would like me to opt for this department which I have gladly accepted knowing the challenges that have come up in recent times. We need to deal with these challenges in a balanced manner, talking to the groups but also being firm. My responsibility is to ensure we bring tourism back on track,” he said.

On plans to revive the tourism sector, Lyngdoh said he would convene meetings with officials at different levels within the next few days, including senior officers of the Tourism Department.

He maintained that Meghalaya had enormous tourism potential and that projects capable of enhancing the state’s reputation as a tourism destination should not be compromised.

“Meghalaya has huge potential and there are projects which enhance the state’s stature as a tourism destination, so there can be no compromise on such projects,” he said.

On improving security arrangements, particularly the installation of CCTV cameras following recent criminal incidents, Lyngdoh said several measures were being considered to strengthen safety across the state.

“There is a slew of measures in my mind and certainly we will enhance security and safety of not just visitors but all residents. The plan was afoot till last year when there was a sudden change of guards. Now I will need to reassess where things stand after a gap of more than a year,” he said.

Asked whether he would also be assigned the Social Welfare Department, Lyngdoh said he had not received any indication from the Chief Minister, adding that the position would become clear by Tuesday.

On allegations that former UDP leader Metbah Lyngdoh was pressured to resign from the Cabinet to accommodate him, Paul Lyngdoh said he was not aware of the circumstances surrounding the decision.

“Those are matters I am not familiar with because all that happened was in the CM Secretariat or CM bungalow. I am not privy to any information,” he said.

Highlighting his political and administrative experience, Lyngdoh said his objective had always been to ensure that holding public office translated into positive outcomes for the state.

He pointed out that he had won four Assembly elections and had served in the Cabinet six times, including his latest induction.

“I have done my level best to not just be in office but to be in power to ensure that power impacts the state positively. I have won four elections and been in the cabinet six times including today. I command experience, knowledge and familiarity with the Constitution, laws of the Assembly, traditional practices and functioning of ADCs. All these put together make one competent enough to handle any crisis,” he said.