AIZAWL, Jan 26 (IANS): Mizoram Governor Lt. Gen (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma on Friday said that driven by peace, the state has been on a path of development and economic prosperity.
After unfurling the national flag at the Assam Rifles Ground on Republic Day, Sharma said: "Collective efforts of law enforcing agencies, civil societies, voluntary organisations, NGOs and religious institutions like church and media, besides the government made it possible for Mizoram to maintain its status as one of the most peaceful states of the country."
"Driven by the peace, Mizoram is going ahead with its development and economic prosperity."
He said that the state government's flagship programme -- the New Land Use Policy (NLUP) -- has already ushered in significant development and changes in the socio-economic scenario of the state over the past 6-7 years.
"The NLUP has been successfully implemented since its inception on January 14, 2011 and will be completed within March this year.
"The well conceived scheme has changed the economic scenario of the state, boosting the development of Mizoram and its farmers," the governor said.
The state government launched the Rs 2,873 crore NLUP to provide financial help and technical guidance to tribal "Jhumia" families and provide them training for settled farming.
Tribals, who constitute 27 per cent of the 45.58 million people in the northeastern states, practice traditional and unscientific "Jhum" or slash-and-burn method of cultivation, in which wild land is cleared and the vegetation burned to make way for new cultivable land.
Sharma said that the New Economic Development Programme of the state government was now under vigorous implementation with the allocation of Rs 750 crore during the current fiscal.
"Emphasis was made on entrepreneurship development schemes. Kolkata-based Indian Institute of Management has been assigned by the state government to promote entrepreneurship development of the people of the state," he added.
The governor said that the 60 MW Tuirial Hydro Electric Project was completed and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 16 last year.
The state government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation for execution of the 210 MW Tuivai Hydro Electric Project.
He also made a special mention that a two-wheeler taxi permit has been introduced within the capital Aizawl city to provide a quick and convenient public transport system.
The Republic Day was observed across the state with numerous functions, including cultural and sports events.
