A study has been conducted by the Union ministry for the development of the northeastern region (DoNER) for identification and development of tourism infrastructure in the region.

The official statement issued during the recently concluded regional conference of tourism ministers of eastern and northeastern states held here said the Union ministry of tourism has taken a number of initiatives for the development of tourism in the northeastern states.

"During the 10th Five Year Plan, a sum of Rs 364.29 crore was sanctioned to the northeastern states by the tourism ministry under the Product Infrastructure Development of Destination and Circuits scheme and Rs 566.40 crore was sanctioned to the region for infrastructure projects in the 11th Five Year Plan," the statement pointed out.

"The ministry has taken several initiatives towards promoting and marketing tourism development products of the northeastern states," the release read.

As per official estimates, women comprise 70 per cent of the low and semi-skilled work force employed in the tourism sector while 50 per cent of the work force comprise youth under 25 years of age. About 53 million persons were estimated to have been employed in the tourism sector in India in 2010 and it is projected to grow to 77.5 million in 2016.

"In January this year, the Union tourism ministry provided stalls to all northeastern states including Sikkim free of cost in an international exhibition held in Delhi," the release read.

"In 2010-11, the ministry of tourism provided central financial assistance of Rs 26.38 lakhs to the state government of Mizoram for the production of tourism literature and documentary film for promotion and publicity of tourism in the state," the release added.