Hon’ble Speaker and Esteemed Members of the Legislative Assembly,
I extend my heartiest welcome to you all to the Eleventh Session of the Eighth Legislative Assembly of Mizoram. It gives me great pleasure to address you at the commencement of this session and I also take this opportunity to extend my best wishes and New Year greetings to the people of Mizoram through this august House.
In this session, the Supplementary Demand for Grants for the year 2022- 2023 and Demand for Grants for 2023-2024 will be presented. On this day, I would like to invite this august Assembly to witness my Government’s commitment to provide an efficient, responsive and accountable administration at all levels of governance. The various progress and developments, as well as the maintenance of peace and harmony achieved by my Government are immense, which makes me very proud.
I am very happy that my Government continues to accord highest priority to ensure social and economic justice by prioritising developmental activities with a view to ensure prosperity and economic upliftment of the people. I hope deliberations in the House will help achieve this objective.
1. My Government has taken several steps to strengthen the internal security of the State. There has not been any major law and order problem, and tensions in the inter-state border areas in the past year have been significantly diffused. Fund amounting to Rs. 327.56 lakh has been utilized for construction of proper accommodation for the Police personnel deployed at Mizoram-Assam boundaries. Also, various buildings at the inter-state border being constructed under SEDP Scheme, with an estimated amount of Rs. 495.41 lakh are likely to be completed soon. The projects for Water Supply Scheme for various Security Camps located at Mizoram-Assam border under SEDP with an estimated amount of Rs.96.50 lakh were approved and work is being executed. Mizoram Police continues to tirelessly combat illicit drugs and narcotic substances. During the past year, Mizoram Police seized huge quantities of illicit drugs and narcotic substances worth Rs. 829 crore approximately in international market.
Construction of Police Hospital Building at 1stBn MAP Hqrs, Armed Veng with an estimated amount of Rs.70.00 lakh was completed and inaugurated on 9th Sept, 2022. Construction of Multipurpose Football Stadium cum Parade Ground at 1stBn MAP Hqrs is in progress. 286 persons recruited in December, 2022 have started their Basic Training at the Police Training School, Thenzawl w.e.f. 16th January, 2023.
I also take this opportunity to congratulate the Lunglei Fire Station for being awarded the ‘Subhash Chandra Aapda Prabandhan Puruskar, 2023’ by the Union Home Ministry, for excellent work in disaster management in the institutional category. The firemen, who have shown exemplary spirit and courage in fighting the menace of forest fires that have threatened the very heart of Lunglei, fully deserve the Award carrying a cash prize of Rs.51 lakh.
2. My Government has enthusiastically continued implementation of the family oriented Socio Economic-Development Programme (SEDP). The First Installment of Phase-1 has recently been completed for which all the 60,000 beneficiaries were given Rs. 25,000/- each, amounting to Rs. 150 crore. The second instalment is under process for which all the beneficiaries will be given additional grant of Rs. 25,000/- each, amounting to a total of Rs. 150 crore. Phase-I is expected to be completed by the end of March, 2023.
‘Mapping of General Enterprising Tendency Among Mizo Youth’ is an ongoing study conducted in collaboration with Mizoram University Incubation Centre which focuses on policy implication for activities and curriculum in schools & colleges, targeting students studying outside Mizoram. ‘Alimentaria Barcelona 2022 Proner Exhibition & Convention’ at Barcelona, Spain was attended to expose, promote and study the possibility of export of processed food, fresh fruits, vegetables and other products from Mizoram.
Mizoram is the first state in the country to localise Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by introducing Local Indicator Framework for measuring performance and for ranking of Villages and Urban Localities. SDG localization exercise will be conducted in a phased manner jointly by &PID, LAD and SIRD&PR. Starting from November, 2022, 62 pilot villages and 19 localities under AMC are being assessed.
The Union Cabinet has also approved earmarking of 30% of North- Eastern Council’s allocation for new projects under the existing ‘Schemes of North-Eastern Council’ for focused development of deprived areas and emerging priority sectors in the North-Eastern states. In Mizoram, Bunghmun W, Bungtlang and Chawngte Block are identified as backward blocks for prioritization of development. Besides these, the Community of Lai, Mara, Chakma and Bru are also being focused by the Central Government. Developmental projects targeting these communities through NEC have played an important role in their upliftment.
3. My Government has achieved zero active case in the fight against Covid- 19 pandemic. Implementation of various National and State Health Programmes have helped in reducing disease prevalence, Infant Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Ratio. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India has considered the project proposal for Establishment of Mizoram Super Speciality Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Aizawl amounting to Rs. 700 crore for funding under EAP (JICA). To take the proposal forward, an agreement has been signed between Govt. of Mizoram and JICA in the Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India, on 12th January, 2023.
In order to ensure that the health of the people is properly taken care of, Administrative Approval and Expenditure sanction of Rs. 2955.34 lakh was accorded during 2022 under NABARD RIDF XXVII for re-construction of 1(one) Primary Health Centre, 30 (thirty) Sub-Centres, 19 (nineteen) Isolation Wards and 23 (twenty-three) Medical Quarters. AState Drugs Testing Laboratory was also inaugurated on 18th November, 2022
The Mizoram Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) Prevention and Control Rules, 2022 was approved and gazetted on 1st November, 2022. The proposal for construction of State Resource Centre for HIV/AIDS in Mizoram was approved under NESIDS, MDoNER and work will be executed shortly. I am proud to say that there was also an achievement of 90% in voluntary blood donation.
4. As the Hon’ble Members are aware, the menace of drug trafficking and abuse have assumed alarming proportions today and is of much concern to my government. To control this menace, the Excise & Narcotics Department has made all-out efforts. As a result, 4348 persons were arrested under Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act, 2019 and Mizoram Excise Act, 1973 during the current financial year (upto 31.12.2022), and 4755 cases were registered.
Revenue amounting to Rs. 1,31,38,291.00 (Rupees one crore thirty one lakh thirty eight thousand two hundred ninety one) only had been collected upto 31st December, 2022.
5. My government seeks to ensure that the people receive sufficient foodgrains and fuel. Total procurement of Foodgrains (both NFSA & Non- NFSA) was 6,83,441.00 qtls. and that of Sugar was 3270.00 qtls. The targeted Public Distribution System of the State has been 100% digitized and Supply chain of foodgrains is being monitored using the Aadhaar Enabled Public Distribution System (AePDS).
Mizoram was fortunate to avail Grant-in-Aid amounting to Rs. 19.22 crore from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution under Storage and Godowns Scheme. The amount was used for construction of 10 (ten) concrete godowns at Kolasib, Darlawn, Khuangleng, Darlung, Reiek, Khawlailung, Lawngtlai, N.Hlimen, Chawngte and Maubawk. To improve infrastructure, FCS&CA Department also availed Rs. 39.61 crore under NABARD’s Warehouse Infrastructure Fund (Rs. 37.47 crore is loan component and Rs. 2.14 crore is State Matching Share). Under this Scheme, 21 warehouses/ storage godowns and official quarters, etc. were constructed in 7 (seven) districts of the State.
Home Delivery of LPG initially introduced on pilot basis in 4 (four) localities in Aizawl is now being implemented in 36 (thirty six) localities in Aizawl and in 23 (twenty three) localities of various District Headquareters. Presently, LPG Home Delivery is being carried out in 59 (fifty nine) localities and is being closely monitored. For extension of the LPG Bottling Plant located at Mualkhang, Kolasib District, land and property covering 2 hectares (12.46 bighas) adjacent to the existing bottling plant was purchased.
6. Agriculture remains a chief focus of my Government with a mission to enhance sustainable Agricultural Crop productivity. The Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming System in the North East (FOCUS) Project is being implemented in Champhai, Mamit, Serchhip, Kolasib, Khawzawl and Saitual districts. The project would cover all 300 villages in the six project districts, covering 12 blocks and will support 55,000 households comprising a population of 322,500 persons.
Under RIDF-NABARD, a total of fund amounting to Rs. 727.00 lakh was allotted for Land Development of WRC areas covering 484.67 Ha. The project is being taken up in 48 villages in 11 districts of Mizoram covering 55 clusters. Once completed, production of Paddy is expected to increase by 1,211.675 MT.
7. In all the 11 (eleven) Districts of Mizoram, assistance was released to 4616 beneficiaries under Family Oriented SEDP in their selected horticulture trades at the rate of Rs. 25,000 each. Cultivation of tomato, cabbage and watermelon have shown tremendous success. Tualte village alone has earned more than Rs. 2.00 crore in the preceding year from tomato cultivation. Rs. 3.70 crore approximately has been earned from production of around 1600 MT of Ryozeki Cabbage. Four varieties of watermelon - Sato,Africana,Abhisek and Madhuri have been successfully cultivated in Saitual, Kolasib, Serchhip and Lunglei Districts and total production is estimated to be 950MT with market value of Rs. 3.80 crore.
During 2022, dragon fruit growers earned Rs. 6.24 crore approximately from 312 MT. Large scale cultivation of pineapple is being taken up, covering an area of around 5027 Ha, with a total production of 29023MT. Sialhawk Pineapple Society has also successfully exported pineapple to UAE and Qatar during the year.
8. Under National Livestock Mission, various programmes were taken up at Champhai, Kolasib, Serchhip and Mamit in collaboration with FOCUS for Breed improvement and Artificial Insemination network. Under Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme, assistance has been provided to small and marginal farmers. Under entrepreneurship development, cluster-wise piggery farm had been established at Lengte and Nghalchawm for piglet production centres. Unfortunately, many farmers lost their pigs due to African Swine Fever but some farmers have re-started their piggery farming even without assistance from Government.
Under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF-NABARD), Veterinary Hospitals at Lunglei, Siaha, Champhai, Kolasib, Serchhip, Mamit and Lawngtlai were constructed and commissioned.
9. Power Generation is another aspect which my Government is constantly prioritising. Tlawva Small Hydel Project, with installed capacity of 5MW, funded under NABARD & MNRE at an estimated cost of Rs 7,340.00 lakh was commissioned on 11th August, 2022, and Kawlbem Small Hydel Project, with installed capacity of 4MW, funded under NABARD & MNRE at an estimated cost of Rs 4960.00 was inaugurated on 15th December, 2022.
New projects taken up include various sub-stations at Luangmual, Sihhmui, Chite, Marpara and Lawngtlai. Under Re-vamped Distribution Sector Scheme, the Ministry of Power has sanctioned Rs. 178.92 crore for Pre-paid Smart Metering and Rs. 233.82 crore for infrastructure works for reduction of losses in Mizoram. Separate feeders for power supply to agricultural lands, funded by NABARD, at an estimated cost of Rs. 11.64 crore, was also started.
10. My Government has made significant achievement in building infrastructure of roads, bridges and buildings. Mizoram PWD has completed 351 kms of Formation Cutting, 280.5 kms of Flexible Pavement and 212.5 kms of Rigid Pavement during 2022-23. While there are 12 ongoing Bridge constructions, as many as 16 Bridges and 8 Building projects have been completed.
Other major works include Construction of District Court Building at New Secretariat with sanctioned amount of Rs. 2429.05 lakh, which is now completed. High Court Building, with sanctioned amount of Rs. 4624.12 lakh, having physical progress of 99% is expected to be completed soon. Construction of Double Storied PHC Building under NABARD is going on with smooth progress in 6 (six) Villages. Renovation of Terminal Building at Lengpui Airport and elevated road with connected components is also in progress.
National Highway-54 and State Highway, i.e. Aizawl-Thenzawl-Lunglei Road (ATL Road) are also being maintained and further improvement is underway. Major District Road connecting Khamrang to Selesih and 6 (Six) nos. of Argiculture Link Road are also progressing smoothly.
11. Provision of adequate and safe water remains a part of my Government’s priorities. Under Jal Jeevan Mission, a total of 97,834 Functional Household Tap Connections have been provided to rural villages as on 16th January, 2023. Till date, 224 villages have been covered, and it is targeted to cover all villages by December 2023.
Under NESIDS, Alternate Gravity Water Supply Scheme of Aizawl and 13 Water Supply Schemes under NABARD are being taken up. Six (6) nos. of Works/Projects are also being undertaken under SASCE and are in good progress. The PHE Department has recorded as many as 1,17,404 nos. of House Water Connections under Urban areas, and has collected a sum of Rs. 2690.57 lakh upto September 2022.
12. Providing quality education at all levels continues to be one of the prime objectives of my Government. Under Samagra Siksha, schools are constructed, midday meals are continued to be given, textbooks and uniforms are also provided free of cost to many students. Bilingual (English & Mizo) textbooks for High School Maths and Science subjects are being processed for publication and will be available by the 2023-2024 academic session. Mizoram Board of School Education (MBSE) is also preparing Braille textbooks and large font print textbooks for the blind and visually challenged High School and Higher Secondary School students.
Under Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Avasiya Vidyalaya, 22 hostels for both elementary and secondary levels, mainly reserved for children with underprivileged economic background from remote habitations, are being smoothly run.
13. My Government is rendering utmost efforts to ensure good quality and standard Higher Educational Institutions in the State, and indeed, almost all Government Colleges, i.e. 21 Colleges and 3 Professional Institutions, have undergone assessment and accreditation under National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), University Grants Commission, Govt. of India. Complying with the Nationwide campaign, the Directorate of Higher & Technical Education Office alongwith 8 (eight) Govt. Colleges have been declared Single Use Plastics free premises.
14. For the development and better administration of rural areas, 3 (three) new District Rural Development Offices (DRDO) were opened for the new districts of Hnahthial, Khawzawl and Saitual as the DRDA Administration Scheme was discontinued by the Central Government and as such, all DRDAs in the 11 (eleven) Districts were restructured and converted into District Rural Development Offices to continue implementation of rural development schemes and programmes. New Rural Development Blocks were also opened in Kawrtethawveng and Tlabung RD Blocks.
Under SPMRM Rurban, Aibawk Cluster became the first cluster in the whole country to complete all the projects under 14 components outlined in the Mission strategy, and is now rank first in all India level in the Rurban Soft parameters. 18 (eighteen) projects covering 44600 ha under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 has also been implemented.
There are 2,13,229 active Job Cards and 2,14,163 active workers in Mizoram. Out of total 2,14,163 active workers, 98.84% have already seeded Aadhaar in MIS and presently,1, 41,891 workers are eligible for Aadhar based Payment (ABP). Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India has approved Rs. 175 lakh person-days under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA for financial year 2022-23 for the State of Mizoram, under which 153.35881 lakh person-days have been generated till date.
I am proud to say that in work completion rate and timely payment of workers, Mizoram is one of the best performing states in India.
15. My Government is committed to provide better opportunities to our youth in various fields especially in sports and employment. Various Sports Infrastructure projects, such as, laying of Artificial Football Turf at Lengpui, C. Thuamluaia Mual and Chawngte, were satisfactorily completed and inaugurated. Under PMJVK Scheme, laying of Artificial Turf at Kawrthah with a project cost of Rs 549.91 lakhs and Laldenga Football Ground at Tuidam with a project cost of Rs 532.40 lakhs were inaugurated on 10th January, 2023. The Ministry of Minority Affairs, GoI has approved Rs. 18,858.49 lakh under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram’ Scheme for implementation of projects in Minority Concentration Areas in the State.
A new unit of the National Cadet Corps Batallion - 2nd Mixed Battalion National Cadet Corp (NCC) at Lunglei is expected to be operational from 2023- 24 onwards with complete budgetary provisions.
With considerable joy and pride, I congratulate the Mizoram Team on their remarkable performances in the Khelo India Youth Games 2022, National Games 2022 and the North- East Olympic Games 2022. Mizoram’s weightlifting wonder Jeremy Lalrinnunga created a historic moment by becoming the first person from the state to ever win a gold medal in Commonwealth Games. He was allotted house site at Ainawn Veng, Aizawl. Lalremsiami, a protegee of Girls Hockey Academy, Thenzawl was selected to represent India Women’s Hockey team in the Commonwealth Games, Birmingham, 2022 and bagged Bronze Medal for India.
Our achievements have made Mizoram and Mizo people popular in other parts of India and the world. I urge everyone to continue giving their full support for the advancement of Sports.
16. ‘Drugs and Children Survey in Mizoram, 2022’ conducted by the Mizoram Social Defence & Rehabilitation Board, Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs Department, is a pioneering research study and reiterates my Government’s dedicated endeavour to prevent and reduce drug abuse in the State. Under SEDP, Rs. 920.71 lakh was allocated for upgradation of Jordan Rehabilitation Centre at Sethawn. Civil works for the Centre was completed and 137 honorary workers have been engaged as per the Integrated Rehabilitation for Addicts (ICRA) norms laid down by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India has also approved setting up of 5 (five) Eklavya Model Residential Schools at Tlangnuam, Bilkhawthlir, Zawlnuam, Tlungvel and Naohtla. Construction work is expected to be completed shortly. Further, the Ministry approved setting up of another 6 (six) EMRS at Darlawn, West Phaileng, Khawzawl, Khawbung, Hnahthial and Lungsen and construction work is expected to start soon.
17. To promote industrial growth and generate employment in the State, various measures, such as, developing Handloom Cluster Project in 12 cluster areas and providing Margin Money to 709 persons under Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) were taken up. Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (PMFME) Awareness Programme was conducted in 10 (ten) districts and Rs. 30.79 crore was released to 1092 beneficiaries. Under Socio Economic Development Policy (SEDP), 13,266 no. of beneficiaries were given 1st installment of Cash Assistance for different selected trades.
Rainwater Harvesting Project at Industrial Growth Centre, Luangmual and Export Promotion Park (EPIP), Lengte were completed with project cost of Rs. 9.84 crore and Rs. 9.72 crore respectively. Rs. 20.76 crore has also been sanctioned under PM Gati Shakti for further development of these areas. New Market at Aizawl is being reconstructed under Smart City Project with an estimated amount of Rs. 42.83 crore. NEC has also sanctioned Rs. 14.50 crore for construction of Lunglei Market and Trade Centre.
18. As per Supreme Court’s Order, identification of children infected and affected by COVID-19 is being carried out in all the districts. The total number of Covid affected children identified in the State (as on 5th January, 2023) is 201, out of which 182 children lost one parent due to Covid and there are 19 (nineteen) Orphans identified. All children have been registered at Baal Swaraj Portal, under the ‘PM Cares for Children- Empowerment of COVID affected children to support children who have lost their parents due to Covid-19’.
Maternity Benefit Programme under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) has been implemented in all the districts and beneficiaries enrolled till date is 35,653. At a Percentage Achievement of 118.8 %, Mizoram holds 1st position among the NE States and 4th position in the country.
19. Apart from training being conducted in various central and state-run skill schemes, Mizoram skill and entrepreneurship development policy 2018 guides the overall skill development ecosystem.‘Kawtchhuah’ Mizoram Innovation Fair showcase businesses of new Start ups in state as well as Business Plan Contest for ITI passouts and students with Seed funding to start their business venture.‘Pum’ Innovation Competition and Exhibition Fare for all grassroot innovators across the state with awards for technical and non- technical trades category. State Skill and Entrepreneurship Award was given on this occasion for all districts selected by District Skill Committees. In all districts, Skill development awareness and Skill training classes are held in collaboration with Higher & Technical Education and Department of School Education under SANKALP. To provide online employment registration and to create a one stop solution for job seekers and employers/job providers with participation of Government Departments, public and private sector establishments, the Mizoram Employment Exchange (EMPeX) portal developed by MSeGS was launched on 31st January, 2023.
The total amount of different Welfare Schemes/Benefits disbursed is Rs.4.22 crore. In total, 81 (eighty one) beneficiaries claimed Welfare Pension benefits during this period.
20. Minor Irrigation Projects under ‘PMKSY-Har Khet Ko Pani’, at a total cost of Rs. 5,097.78 lakh, will cover an area of 2065 Ha, benefitting 1222 farmers. Six new Projects, at an estimated amount of Rs. 1046.59 lakh under NABARD RIDF-XXVII have also been started. These projects will cover culturable area of 262 Ha, benefitting 188 farmers. Under the National Hydrology Project (NHP), a budget of Rs. 3,277.00 lakh was allocated for a period of eight years (2016-2024) and till date, Mizoram has made several advancements in securing hydro-meteorological data of various places across the state through Real Time Data Acquisition System (RTDAS).
21. Sericulture Department has implemented Eri Silk projects in Aizawl, Serchhip, Hnahthial, Lunglei and Champhai districts, covering 440 farmers under pre-cocoon and post cocoon sectors. The total number of Sericulture farmers in Mizoram now stands at 4546 families. The overall silkworm food plants for Mulberry, Muga and Eri silkworms cover 5262 acres in the state and the average income per farmer per month is Rs. 20,000/- approx.
Under Socio Economic Development Programme (SEDP), 300 families were selected for silkworm rearing. Silkworm seed for commercial farmers under Muga, Mulberry and Eri sectors produced by the department during 2022- 2023 was 16.833 lakhs. Raw silk production upto December, 2022 was 68.241 MT.
22. Under SEDP, 1261 beneficiaries were also given 1st installment of Rs. 25000/- each for construction of fish ponds and 22.40 lakh of fish seeds was distributed to needy farmers. A total project worth of Rs. 2168.12 lakh has been approved by the Government of India under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana towards development of fisheries.
23. As per Forest Survey of India Report 2021, Mizoram has the highest forest cover of 84.53% among the states. Besides its richness in biodiversity, nearly 10% of the state’s area is protected and conserved through 2 National Parks, 7 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 1 Tiger Reserve. The Environment, Forests & Climate Change Department has been implementing various Centrally Sponsored Schemes to protect, restore, and enhance diminishing forest cover and respond to climate change through adaptation and mitigation measures.
Centrally Sponsored Schemes of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ is being implemented and APO for Rs. 8.53 crore has also been approved. Project Tiger is implemented in Dampa Tiger Reserve for the conservation of wild tigers in the state for which Rs 3.5 cr. has been approved. The Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme is specially dedicated for prevention of Forest Fire in the State, for which Rs. 1.37 crore has been earmarked. For management of two wetlands of international significance in Mizoram, i.e. Tamdil Wetland and Pala Wetland, financial assistance under ‘National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystem’ is available for Rs. 3.45 crore.
24. My Government is doing its best to provide reliable telecommunications and internet connectivity across the state. Proposal for improvement of Backbone Connectivity of Districts and Blocks in Mizoram was submitted and approved under Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment 2022-2023 at an estimated cost of Rs. 50 crore. This project will have significant improvement in fiberization of telecom tower and bringing 5G in the state.
Mizoram e-services portal and upgradation of Mizoram State Data Center & Cloud enablement project under Part-IV of Special Assistance to State Capital Investment (SASCI) 2022-2023 was approved amounting to Rs. 22.50 crore by the Ministry of Finance. Under the project, all online services available under Government of Mizoram will be accessible to the citizens through one single portal. Setting up of Village Knowledge Centers in Mizoram with a project cost of Rs. 4.5 crore (from NABARD) in 15 locations has already commenced. These centers will provide instant access to latest information available in the field of agriculture.
25. Total budget approved by Central Government for implementation of Rastriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) in Mizoram during 2022-2023 is Rs. 79.45 crore, out of which the State has received 1st installment amounting to Rs. 14.27 crore. Under RGSA, Construction of 23 new Panchayat Bhawan / Village Council House, Construction of 3 District Panchayat Resource Centres (DPRCs) in Saitual, Khawzawl and Hnahthial Districts, Arecanut leaf-plate production project at Bilkhawthlir, Handloom design training cum production centre at Thenzawl, Rural homestay and agro tourism project at Tuipui Darzokai and Capacity Building & Training for Village Councils and stakeholders in collaboration with State Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD & PR) are being undertaken.
26. Preservation of Cultural Heritage and promotion of Tribal Arts is a must for safeguarding the ethnic identities of communities living in Mizoram. Despite the Covid pandemic, Chapchar Kut, 2022 was exclusively observed on 4th March, 2022 at Vanapa Hall, Aizawl and virtually telecast live all over the globe.
Third Instalment of Rs. 100.00 lakh was received from NEC for ongoing Lai Cultural Centre-Cum-Auditorium at Lawngtlai, which is now completed. Rs. 4.136 crore was received as 1st Instalment as well as Rs. 206 lakh as 2nd Instalment for construction of Regional Museum at Lunglei and State Matching Share of Rs. 91.90 lakh was also sanctioned by State Govt. The project is in progress.
27. The 10th International Tourism Mart for the NE States held at Aizawl from 17th -19th November 2022 was a massive success with more than 230 guests from all over India. The 4-day Mega Exhibition and Food Festival was a grand success generating more than Rs. 152.00 lakh revenue and more than 60,000 visitors. The Ministry of Tourism has also accorded sanction of Rs.4488.52 lakh for development of Infrastructure for Pilgrimage and Heritage Tourism in the State of Mizoram under PRASHAD Scheme on 14.12.2022. A new commerical Tourism Portal (www.mizoramtourism.com) and Mizoram Tourism Mobile Application were launched on 2nd May, 2022. The number of tourist footfalls from January to November, 2022 is 1,44,631.
Responsible tourism initiatives involving community participation are also being undertaken at Khamrang village wherein the Ministry of DoNER has sanctioned Rs. 800 lakh for development of Eco-Tourism at Khamrang Village under NESIDS Scheme. Aizawl Convention Centre under a Central Government PSU Scheme amounting to Rs. 46 crore is being constructed at Chite Veng. Sanction amounting to Rs. 236 lakh was also accorded by the NEC towards Mt.Mawma Ecological Park at Chakhei in Siaha District for development of eco-tourism in the Southern part of Mizoram.
28. My Government has been striving for elimination of Single Use Plastic. Campaigns on ban of SUP have been carried out throughout the State and enforcement squads have been set in urban towns of Mizoram.
Under National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM), 108 shelters have been supported and 97 made functional for urban homeless. 22 (twenty-two) shelters accomodating persons without next of kin are supported at the rate of Rs. 12,000 per person per annum. Under Self Employment Programme (SEP), 52 individuals and Group enterprises have been assisted in setting up micro enterprises and 25 loans have been provided to SHGs under bank linkage during the year, which is expected to increase. Fifty-one (51) Vending Zones have been identified and 545 Street Vendors are being accomodated in these zones. City Street Vending Plans have been implemented in Lunglei, Champhai, Kolasib,Serchhip and Mamit. As provided by the PM Svanidhi Scheme, capital loans of Rs. 10,000 each have been disbursed to 587 street vendors.
Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Housing For All (PMAY-HFA), Rs. 1,50,000 (Rupees one lakh fifty thousand) only is provided to the beneficiaries in Mizoram. During 2022-2023, 1st installment was released to 8367 beneficiaries, 2nd and 3rd installment were released to 2340 and 438 beneficiaries respectively.
SEDP Family-oriented Programme in 4 (four) trades, such as Street vending, home composting, street sweeping and waste collection and waste- to-wealth are being implemented covering 828 beneficiaries from various districts.
29. Under Mizoram Science, Technology & Innovation Council (MISTIC), a Centre for Mushroom Production was established at Young Mizo Association (YMA) Sub-Headquarters building at Saitual. Production of spawn and fresh mushroom has already been started from last year. MISTIC has also teamed up with Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) Zemabawk to set up a Women Centre at Zemabawk, Aizawl for enhancing the livelihood options of rural women. The project includes trainings in Poultry, Piggery and Food Processing. A total of five batches underwent trainings and the total number of women beneficiaries are 321. As per the recommendation of Expert Committee of SEED Division, registration under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was done for the project in Food Processing trade.
Construction of Lunglei Science Centre and Digital Planetarium at Zohnuai, Lunglei and installation of indoor exhibits have been completed and are expected to be commissioned shortly.
30. The Transport Department has collected revenue of Rs. 2816.86 lakh (upto November, 2022) in the current financial year. Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) has declared River Tlawng as ‘National Waterway- 102’. Proposal has also been submitted for conducting Hydrographic survey and Techno Economic Feasibility study. E-Tender is under process to select Contractor for the Construction of Infrastructure for Inland Water Transport Project at River Khawthlangtuipui.
31. Under Printing & Stationery, the revenue collected from printing works for the current year is Rs. 81,03,536 and the revenue collected from sale of stationery items is Rs. 93,92,238 (upto December, 2022).
32. My Government continues to make all-out efforts for improvement of air connectivity of the State. Project namely ‘Improvement & upgradation of different facilities at Lengpui Airport under NESIDS’ with a total amount of Rs 1,958.00 lakh was launched and is expected to be completed in the early part of next year. Action is being initiated for leasing of 2(two) Helicopters on Wet Lease basis for the state of Mizoram.
Revenue Target expected of Rs 725.50 lakh during the current financial year has already been achieved and the department has exceeded the Revenue Receipt by 112.33 lakh by the month of November, 2022. Total number of inward and outward passengers at Lengpui by Air India, Alliance Air & Indigo comes to 30,441 during the month of June, 2022.
The Mizoram Information Commission (MIC) in collaboration with the ICT Department developed an online portal called ‘Mizoram RTI Online’, which was launched on 1st July, 2022 to enable citizens to submit RTI applications online and make payment even from remote villages through their mobile phones.
33. The total amount of Revenue Tax and Non-Tax collected by the Land Revenue and Settlement Department upto December, 2022 is Rs. 524.56 lakh. Registration fee & Stamp duty collected during the same period amounts to Rs. 589.70 lakh. Also, 3311 Land Settlement Certificates for Residence, 1352 House Passes, 281 Land Lease Certificates and 31 LSCs for Agricultural Lands have been issued during this period.
A central sector scheme, Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) have been implemented since 2021.Continuous Operating Reference System (CORS) Network Station will be set up in 12 places, 330 Villages in 9 Districts and 267 Villages in 3 Autonomous Districts will be covered. Besides, IEC (Information, Education and Communication) in 331 Villages, Drone Flying in 71 Villages and Ground Truthing/Ground Verification have been completed in 10 Villages.
34. Striving to achieve higher revenue, the Department of State Taxes collected total tax of Rs. 717 crore upto December, 2022. The target has been increased to Rs. 900 crore (revised estimate). Various efforts were also taken up to expand and deepen the tax net with the aim of increasing the tax revenue, viz. training of tax officials and other officers of various departments, bank personnel, tax practitioners, contractors, tax deductors, etc. Awareness programmes in different districts, establishment of GST facilitation center and helpdesk for the taxpayers and computerizing workflow has gone a long way in achieving ease of doing business.
35. My Government strives to strengthen and enhance the progress of Co- operative Movement for socio-economic development of the people. Currently, there are as many as 1,306 registered Cooperative Societies, out of which there are two Cooperative Banks, i.e.Mizoram Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd (MCAB) & Mizoram Cooperative Urban Bank Ltd (MUCO Ltd.). Primary Agriculture Credit Societies have also greatly contributed towards the development of the rural people by disbursing Short Term Agriculture Loans for the members, which immensely helped the rural villagers even in time of COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana, 159 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVK) were set up and Rs.1444.05 lakh was sanctioned by TRIFED for the initial purpose and released to all District Implementing Units. The mission is still going on and is expected to benefit a population of about 2 lakh in Mizoram within a short period.
36. My Government has always ensured welfare of pensioners. During the previous year, 2436 of various cases of Pensions (i.e. Superannuation/Voluntary/ Invalid/Compulsory Removal/Family Pension and Passover of Family Pension) were received out of which, 1112 cases have been settled.
37. Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls for Assembly Constituencies with reference to 1st January, 2023 as qualifying date has been successfully completed as per the instruction of the Election Commission of India. Final Electoral Roll, with a total of 842388 Voters, was published on 13th January, 2023 in all the11(eleven) Districts of Mizoram. National Voter’s Day (NVD) was observed on 25th January, 2023 along with the rest of the States in India wherein new EPICs were distributed to newly enrolled voters. Also, Braille EPIC has been introduced for the first time in Mizoram for the visually impaired Voters.
38. 95% of physical works of the Multi-Facility Centre ‘Lianchhiari Run’, which is under construction with Rs. 10 crore funding from NEC, is almost completed. The Information & Public Relations Department continue to telecast all the Sessions of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly through local TV networks. Under the Journalists’ Welfare Scheme, 130 journalists have been provided medical assistance and the families of 6 (six) deceased journalists were condoled with ex-gratia of Rs. 77,28,030. During December 2022, the Mizoram Journalists Association members from Kolasib were sponsored to tour Meghalaya to have on-the-spot study on various Horticulture and Agriculture related projects. The Mizoram Journalists Pension Scheme is being under consideration of the Government.
In order to bring about a corruption-free state, making the public vigilant of corruption is necessary. The Mizoram Lok Ayukta, therefore, hosted and sponsored various Anti-Corruption Awareness Campaigns to make the public vigilant. On 31st October, 2022, a pledge-taking ceremony in observance of Vigilance Awareness Week, 2022 with the theme ‘Corruption Free India for a Developed Nation’ was held.
I have covered only a few aspects and given a brief outline of the major policies and programmes of my Government in the hope that it will provide you with a glimpse of its direction and objectives. The Hon’ble Chief Minister will spell out further details in his Budget Speech, which will be discussed in greater detail in this Session.
I am confident that your deliberations during the course of this Session will have far reaching results in bringing about prosperity to all the sections of the people of Mizoram.
I wish your deliberations all success.
KA LAWM E.
JAI HIND
