New Delhi: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has underscored the urgent need for a new urban centre in the state, flagging the severe congestion in the capital Aizawl, where a staggering 80 per cent of Mizoram’s populace currently resides. Speaking at the NITI Aayog governing council meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, the Chief Minister highlighted the burgeoning pressure on Aizawl’s infrastructure due to this concentrated population.
Lalduhoma put forth Thenzawl, located in the Serchhip district and approximately 93 km from Aizawl, as the ideal location for this proposed new city. This ambitious project aims to accommodate a substantial population of 10-15 lakh individuals, offering a much-needed alternative to the overcrowded capital. An official statement released on Sunday detailed these discussions.
Beyond urban planning, the Chief Minister also took the opportunity to showcase Mizoram’s progressive governmental initiatives. He elaborated on the ‘Bana Kaih’ scheme, a significant welfare programme offering collateral-free loans of up to Rs 50 lakh to beneficiaries, coupled with an impressive interest subvention of up to 100 per cent. Furthermore, he mentioned other entrepreneurial welfare schemes and ongoing competitions designed to unearth and support local innovators.
In a bid to foster economic growth, Lalduhoma affirmed the state government’s commitment to a refined investment policy aimed at drawing in investors. He also highlighted the strategic strengthening of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state through robust ties with industries, ensuring a skilled workforce. The Chief Minister proudly reported Mizoram’s low unemployment rate of 2.2 per cent, with women constituting a significant 45 per cent of its workforce.
The state’s focus on sports was also brought to the fore with the mention of the ‘Empowering Mizoram Sports’ scheme, dedicated to establishing coaching and talent development centres across the state. Emphasising Mizoram’s abundant skilled and young talent pool, the Chief Minister proudly stated that the state had recently achieved the status of a fully literate state. He concluded by reiterating the state’s proactive engagement with NITI Aayog state support missions, with all government departments instructed to formulate action plans geared towards achieving the vision of a Developed India by 2047.
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