Mizoram witnessing new phase of development through collective efforts: CM Lalduhoma

Aizawl, Aug 15 (IANS) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma said on Saturday that the state is witnessing a new phase of development through collective efforts, with the state government focusing on economic growth, infrastructure, livelihood generation, good governance and social welfare.

Hoisting the National flag at the state-level Independence Day celebration in Aizawl, the Chief Minister paid homage to the freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices for the country and to those who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.

He called upon the people to work together to build a more developed, peaceful, inclusive and self-reliant Mizoram.

Highlighting major economic initiatives, the Chief Minister said the Mizoram Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme is among the government’s largest programmes to strengthen the state economy and support people through financial assistance, skill development and improved livelihood opportunities.

The state government has also established a Rs 20-crore Mizoram Bana Kaih Venture Capital Fund to encourage young people to become entrepreneurs.

The state has introduced the Investment Policy, 2025, and set up an Investment Promotion Agency to facilitate investments.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma said that tax reforms have yielded encouraging results, with total tax collection rising to Rs 1,278.55 crore in 2025-26.

“The state government has also expanded e-governance, with around 45 offices, including the Secretariat, now using the e-Office system.”

He said that nearly 90 per cent of grievances received through CPGRAMS and 91 per cent of those received through the state’s Mipui Aw platform have been resolved.

“In agriculture, the state government continues to support ginger procurement and marketing, with around Rs 22 crore provided as support price in 2026. The Centre has also sanctioned Rs 30.13 crore for a ginger processing unit in Champhai district. Mizoram has been recognised as the Ginger Capital of India.”

The Chief Minister added that farmers earned around Rs 40 crore from off-season tomato and cabbage cultivation in 2025, while initiatives are also being taken to promote dairy development and livestock insurance.

On infrastructure, CM Lalduhoma said that 81 real-time data acquisition stations have been installed to monitor rainfall, river water levels and groundwater conditions.

“The 10 MW Thenzawl Solar Plant has been inaugurated, while work has begun on the 24 MW Tuirini Small Hydel Project. The Vibrant Villages Programme-II will cover 109 border villages, while major projects worth more than Rs 467 crore are being implemented for urban infrastructure development across the state.”

He added that the state government is also strengthening food security and the Public Distribution System.

The Mizoram State Special Ration Package is benefiting around 29,000 families, while improved rice stock management has resulted in savings of around Rs 73.24 crore. In education, the Mizoram Engineering College has received approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), with classes expected to begin from the 2026-27 academic session.

The state government has also stepped up efforts to tackle drug abuse.

A new accreditation system has been formulated for drug treatment and rehabilitation centres, with 21 centres already enrolled.

The Hulhliap Short-Stay Centre is providing care, support and skill-development opportunities in collaboration with churches and NGOs.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma said the Bana Kaih Empowering Mizoram Sports programme is being implemented to identify and nurture young sporting talent, with the long-term objective of enabling Mizo athletes to participate in the 2036 Olympic Games.

“Eight disciplines have been selected for specialised training. In healthcare, Rs 178.58 crore was spent under the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme between April 2025 and April 2026,” he added.

The Chief Minister also highlighted measures to strengthen human rights protection, prosecution, traffic management and disaster preparedness, including studies and mitigation plans for landslide-prone areas.

Mizoram continues to have the largest forest cover among Indian states, he said, adding that plantation activities have covered around 1,800 hectares during the current year and efforts are continuing to protect forests and biodiversity.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma said the state government remains committed to creating employment opportunities and extending welfare support to workers, with around 21,000 construction workers already receiving assistance through various welfare schemes.

–IANS

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