29. The expansion of the Cooperative Movement has played an important role in the economic development of the people of the State. At present there are 1490 Cooperative Societies in the State comprising of Primary, District and State Level Cooperative Societies. The Plan Strategy of the Cooperation Department under My Government is to strengthen and enhance the progress of cooperative movement within the State which broadly aims at Socio-Economic Development of the people of Mizoram. For the implementation of Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP) in 5 Districts of Mizoram National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) had sanctioned Rs. 4494.452 lakhs, the project is to be implemented in a phase manner during 4 years. For the first year during 2014-15, the NCDC had released Rs. 1116.96 lakhs and the project was launched on 14th May 2015. During 2015 -16, Rs. 1134.00 lakhs has been earmarked for the project. Under ‘Revival Package for Handloom’ of the Government of India, 70 Primary Handloom Weavers Cooperative Societies have been selected and payment to the tune of Rs. 2.17crore has been released for waiving off their accumulated losses and loan liabilities. The Mizoram Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd. (MCAB Ltd.) has opened Core Banking Solution with a data centre to provide easy access to customers for deposits and withdrawals. The bank had a net profit of Rs. 2.98 crore during 2014-15. Multi-Commodity Producers Cooperative Society Ltd. (MULCO) has also launched an indigenous Milk Product Plant at Thuampui on 21st July, 2015 with a capacity of 5,000 liters per day for milk products such as flavoured Milk, Paneer, Curd, Lassi etc.
30. My Government appreciates the sacrifices made by our servicemen towards keeping ordinary citizens safe. Respecting and taking care of not just active soldiers but pensioners as well, is a priority for the Government. Towards this end, the Sainik Welfare & Resettlement Department under My Government has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 78.74 lakhs and disbursed the same as financial gratuity to war veterans and widows at the rate of Rs. 1200/- per month and Rs. 1000/- per month respectively during March 2015 to December 2015. Construction of Sainik School at Chhingchhip under NLCPR is underway for which Rs. 8.93 crore was released and administrative approval for Rs. 20.00 crore was already conveyed.
31. My Government realizes that education is one of the pillars on which the foundations of a progressive and democratic society are laid. A well thought out policy and an efficient system that provides good education to students will go a long way in preparing young minds for their journey into the ever competitive world we live in today. The School Education Department and Department of Higher & Technical Education play an important role towards the achievement of this goal. Appreciating the significance and importance of education, My Government has given due focus and priority for its development during 2015-16. As we are aware, teachers form the framework of any education system and their contribution to society cannot be understated. Realizing this, my Government has upgraded 332 teachers to Selection Grade and 280 teachers to Senior Grade and as many as 107 Group ‘C’ & Group ‘D’ staff have been upgraded to higher scale of pay under the ACP Scheme, 2010. Recruitment Rules for Middle School Teachers and High School Teachers have been amended for reservation of 33.33 % of the total posts respectively for Science and Mathematics teacher in order to promote the study and teaching of these important subjects.
32. Recognizing the importance of pre-school education, ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) has been formally introduced in 66 Primary Schools while 4 major building infrastructure projects have been sanctioned such as - Education Centre Building at Treasury Square, Aizawl at a cost of Rs. 8.00 crores, Education Centre at Serchhip at a cost of Rs. 1.22 crores, Educational Training and Guest House at Lunglei costing Rs. 1.2 crores and lastly, a Hostel for Secondary Students at Lawipu, Aizawl at a cost of Rs. 5.20crore.
33. My Government has tied up with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai to introduce ‘Connected Learning Initiative’ (CLIx) in 200 high schools in Mizoram which is a collaborative effort of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA and the Tata Trusts to improve the professional and academic prospects of high school students. With a target to become the most literate State in the country, aTotal Literacy Drive is being conducted across the state with special focus on Lawngtlai, Mamit and Lunglei Districts. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme run by the School Education Department has benefitted as many as 1.53lakhElementary School students with 5220 cook-cum helpers engaged under the Scheme. As in many other parts ofIndia, this scheme has proved invaluable especially in rural areas. Construction work for 6 New Secondary Schools under RMSA has started and construction of 15 Units of Teachers Quarters is completed. As many as 1277 units of separate boys and girls school toilets have also been constructed with an expenditure of Rs. 22.36 crore under Swachh Bharat Swachh Abhiyan.
34. The Department of Higher & Technical Education under My Government looks after 22Govt.Colleges, 2TeacherTrainingColleges, Collegiate Boys & Girls Hostels at Aizawl & Shillong, Women’s Polytechnic Aizawl and Mizoram Polytechnic, Lunglei. Construction of new Polytechnics at Champhai and Kolasib has been completed while construction of new Polytechnics at Lawngtlai, Mamit, Saiha and Serchhip are currently underway. Govt.of India has approved proposal for Infrastructure Grants to 21 Colleges at Rs. 2 crores each, upgradation of 2 Colleges to Model Degree Colleges namely, Govt. Zirtiri Residential Science College and Govt. Hrangbana College at Rs. 4 crores each and establishment of a new professional College viz. Mizoram Engineering College at Pukpui, Lunglei at Rs. 26 crores under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA).
35. With the objectives of creating an environment of transparent and accountable Good Governance, My Government is implementing Core Infrastructure such as State Data Center, State Wide Area Network, State Service Delivery Gateway under the National e-Governance Plan. State Date Center is one of the core infrastructures for delivering electronic services which have been operative for 2 years hosting more than 5 applications. Mizoram SWAN has connected 42 Point of Presence across the state and has been the backbone for connecting various e-Governance initiatives. SWAN serves an important function as it is the information highway between State Head Headquarter to District Head Quarter to sub-divisional and Block headquarters. Districts are the de facto front-end of government where most Government-to-Consumer or G2C interaction takes place. The Pilot e-District project was successfully launched in Aizawl district and services are delivered through various centers. Presently, e-District roll-out was launched with 15 services from 3 departments during Digital India Week and the remaining 21 services from 5 departments is expected to launch by July, 2016 to improve this experience and enhance the efficiencies of the various departments at the district-level for enabling seamless service delivery to the citizen. State Portal (SP) and State Service Delivery gateway launched on 2nd July 2015 will act as front-end interface to state level e-Governance initiatives and services and shall host all the forms for various Government Services accessible to citizens in the state.
36. There are other projects taken up by the Government like ‘e-Bharat’ under the World Bank wherein the main aim is to provide services to citizens in electronic form namely, through mobile/online systems. System Integrator for Electronics & Mobile Service Delivery project has been engaged, development of 53 online and mobile services across 19 departments is already initiated. These services are expected to go-live by August, 2016. Interactive Digital Class Room for Development of Science and Mathematics in the state of Mizoram is another project designed to assist Department of School Education through NEC fund. It aims to make learning more engaging, interactive and meaningful with help of new technologies in the classroom. This will supplement the conventional system of training and education and bring uniformity in technical education, thereby improving the overall quality of education.
37. The Information & Communication Technology Department under My Government has also taken up IT education in 100 schools through NEC fund with the objective of providing Computer systems to 100 schools in Mizoram. Out of the proposed 100 schools, 92 have been covered with the remaining expected to be covered by August 2016. The department has also developed ‘CM Online’ for the Chief Ministers Office, ‘Inventory Management System’ (IMS) for Secretariat Administrative Department (SAD), ‘Content Management Software’ for Government of Mizoram, ‘Property Return Online System’ (PROS) for the Vigilance Department, ‘ENDNet’ for Excise & Narcotics Department, ‘Total Information on Schools and Teacher’ for Education Department and Zonal tank Water Level Monitoring System for PHE Department.
38. My Government realizes that Tourism has a great potential for development of the State and is doing its best in building and promoting infrastructure required for the growth and sustenance of the tourism industry. Significant achievements has been attained through the liberal financing of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India which has sanctioned Rs. 94.90 crore during 2015-2016 for Mega Projects like Eco- Tourism at Thenzawl including construction of a Golf Course, Adventure and Eco- Tourism at Reiek, Eco- Tourism & Wellness at South Zote and an Adventure Theme Park. My Government has also successfully organized the Anthurium Festival and Thalfavang Kut and participated in various fairs and festivals like the ‘International Tourism Mart’ and ‘Destination North East’. 9 Tourist Lodges at Sakawrdai, Buhchang, Khanpui, Sairang, Paithar, Bairabi, Khawbung and Saitual along with Viewing Gallery at Durtlang have been successfully privatized and other 9 Tourist Lodges are shortlisted for privatization. The number of International and Domestic Tourists visiting Mizoram is increasing every year. To meet the shortage of manpower in Tourism Industry, My Government sponsors and sends students to Institute of Hotel Management at Shillong and Guwahati every year.
39. My Government has completed construction of District Court Building at Serchhip with an estimated cost amounting to Rs. 207.56 lakhs while construction of Judicial Quarters at Kolasib is underway with an estimated amount of Rs. 502.73 lakhs and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Civil Works for construction of the new Aizawl District Court building at New Secretariat Complex, Aizawl is under process with an estimated amount of Rs. 23.60 crores and is expected to commence shortly.
40. In line with Good Governance initiatives launched by the Govt. of India, My Government has adopted some measures whereby citizens are saved the hassle of physically going to Government Offices to obtain forms or make certain payments through the use of modern technology. One of these measures is the ‘Online payment of Road Tax and Passengers & Goods Tax’ introduced by the Transport Department with effect from 9th November 2015. Construction of Directorate Office building of Transport Department is almost completed.
41. A country or State can prosper only if proper care, security, protection and welfare are given to its workforce. Various Acts and Rules have been implemented by My Government with the above objects in view. Apart from the Acts/Rules already implemented, the following Rules have been approved during 2015-16 such as, The Mizoram Payment of Gratuity Rules, 2015, The Mizoram Industrial Disputes Rules, 2015, The Mizoram Building & Other Construction Workers (RS&CS) Rules, 2015. The Mizoram Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has collected labour cess amounting to Rs. 28 crores which is being utilized by members of the labour welfare for various purposes. Mizoram Youth Commission (MYC) in collaboration with LE&IT Department and Workers Welfare Board, Mizoram is conducting Skill Training for the unemployed youths of the state. 3602 trainees have been trained outside Mizoram and of these, 1348 have already been placed. 2554 candidates have also been trained in trades like cement work, aluminium work, two-wheeler repairing, beauty culture, mobile repairing and cutting & tailoring inside Mizoram. A sum of Rs. 251 lakhs had been sanctioned to Mizoram Youth Commission for imparting a placement linked Skill Development Programme for 400 youth of N.E. Region in Hospitality, Aviation, Retail, Tourism and ITES. The Mizoram Youth Commission is also using its resources to assist the youth of the state for entry into the Armed Forces of the country. In order to help deserving youth of Mizoram in realizing their dreams of making it into the country’s Civil Services, two MoU’s (Memorandum of Understanding) have been signed for imparting UPSC Civil Services Coaching Class through VSAT (Live Classes) for 100 candidates and to impart training for SSC & Banking Examinations for 200 candidates.
42. Mizoram, being a hilly terrain is prone to landslides which cause a lot of misery to the public resulting in loss of life and property, disruption of communication network and also economic burden on the society. This is primarily attributed to high steep slope, immature geology, neo-tectonic activity, heavy rainfall and unplanned and improper land use practice in the state. The un-engineered and uncontrolled construction of buildings is also one of the factors. The State is also under constant threat of cloud burst and landslide disasters as more than 71% of the total area are in Very High to Moderate Hazard Zone. In addition, occurrence of biological disasters and other technological/human caused hazards such as transportation accidents, forest and urban fires, flash floods etc. are common in the State. Moreover, the State is situated in Seismic Zone-V, which is the highest risk zone to earthquakes.
43. The above, reinforces the need to proactively consider increasing a community’s resilience as part of the sustainable development agenda. In order to tackle these possible disasters effectively, My Government has taken the following measures- Training of State Disaster Response Force, Training of NGO/CBOs, launching of National School Safety Programme, conduct of Mock Drill, preparation of Disaster Management Plans, establishment of Disaster Management Training Centre, opening of Emergency Operation Centres, conducting Hazard Risk Vulnerability Assessment, procurement of Equipments, forming an Incident Response Teams and works related to prevention and control of landslide and clearance of debris were also executed.
44. Mizoram has 3 Autonomous District Councils which have an important role to play in the development of areas under their control. During the year 2015- 2016, My Government has released Rs. 148.18 crore and Rs. 159.92 crore under Plan and Non - Plan respectively for achieving all round development and improvement of administration in the 3 Autonomous Districts of Mizoram. Other funds released during 2015-16 (upto February 2016) are -Lai Autonomous District Council:
- 1st installment of Rs. 208.53 lakhs for up-gradation ofLawngtlaiTown under NLCPR.
- Rs. 214.82 lakhs for Construction of Lai Student Hostel at Aizawl under NLCPR.
- Rs. 158.00 lakhs for Construction of Chief Executive Members Office & Conference Hall, Executive Member Quarter, Lai Autonomous District Council Hall and
- Installation of Sound System under 13th Finance Commission.
The Mara Autonous District Council was allocated an amount of Rs. 21.53 lakhs under NLCPR and Rs. 65.00 lakhs under 13th Finance Commission while the Chakma Autonomous District Council was given Rs. 216.05 lakhs under NLCPR and Rs. 266.00 lakhs under 13th Finance Commission
45. Ensuring the health of the people of Mizoram in both urban and rural areas is another key aspect in which My Government has focused its energies on, despite financial constraints. The Government has been making an effort to establish a Medical College (Mizoram Institute of Medical Education & Research - MIMER) with an estimated cost of Rs.189.00 crores by upgrading existing infrastructure of the State Referral Hospital at Falkawn. My Government also intends to strengthen and upgrade theCancerHospital at Zemabawk, Aizawl for which Rs. 44.27 crores had been approved by Govt. of India. The project includes building of a 100 bedCancerHospital and procurement of advanced medical equipment so that cancer patients can be better taken care of. Strengthening of Cardiology Department inAizawlCivilHospital has been completed with an approved cost of Rs. 4.99 crore. Installation and commissioning of C.T. Scanner atAizawlCivilHospital was also completed at a cost of Rs. 2.80 crore. Health Management Information System (HMIS) project at a cost of Rs. 4.66 crore has been completed and is functional. Civil Works in respect of establishment of State Medical Library with an approved cost of Rs. 3.61 crore is on the verge of completion. Strengthening of Dental Department with an
approved cost of Rs. 4.43 crore is underway with Civil Works having been completed and procurement of vital dental instruments and equipment under process. I would also like to state that 36% of work in respect of construction of 100 bedded DistrictHospitalat Saiha with an approved cost of Rs. 15.92 crore under NLCPR is complete. Construction of 50 bedded District Hospital at Lawngtlai at an approved cost of Rs.1191.51 lakhs is also expected to commence soon.
46. Two Wheeler Ambulances have been launched in the city ofAizawlas a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to reach patients in emergency cases and provide necessary and immediate treatment and advice to the patient, before the arrival of Ambulance at the scene, which is usually delayed due to traffic congestion. At present there are 6 Two Wheeler Ambulances equipped with life-saving equipment which are attached to the emergency wing of theAizawlCivilHospital. These Two Wheeler Ambulances are manned by trained Paramedics who would be able to provide necessary treatment to the patient in emergency cases and can be contacted anytime at 102 (Toll Free) from any service provider. A total of 633 cases have been handled by these ambulances during April 2015 – November 2015.
47. Mobile Medical Units have also been provided in all 8 Districts of Mizoram with 3 vehicles in each district that are equipped with diagnostic facilities such as microscopes and ECG equipment. Each Mobile Medical Unit covers remote villages which are being visited every month to provide basic healthcare services. It is vital that children not only be enrolled in schools but also remain there in order to receive an education. In order for this to happen, their health has to be ensured as unhealthy children tend to either drop out of school or not attend at all. Towards this end, the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RSBK), an extension of the School Health Programme has been implemented across Mizoram from July 2015. The main objectives of this programme are early detection of birth defects, diseases, deficiencies and development delays including disability.
48. My Government has taken steps to promote Ayurvedic, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) system of medicine. Many initiatives have been taken prime among which is the establishment of 10 Bedded Hospitals in every district. A 50BeddedIntegratedHospital has also been constructed as a pilot project in Thenzawl which would be inaugurated very shortly.
49. Under the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB), 1593 cataract operations have been carried out during 2015-16. 32,810 school children were screened and 400 school teachers trained under this programme. 1525 free spectacles have been provided to children with 108 eye donations and 21 eye transplants carried out during the same period.
50. A Generic Drug Store (Jan Asudhi Store) has been set up atCivilHospital, Aizawl which has tremendously benefited poor patients by making drugs available at a very cheap price, in some cases upto 3 times cheaper than branded medicines available in the open market. ‘Mission Indradhanush’ has been introduced in Mamit, Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Saiha, Aizawl and Serchhip districts and I am proud to say that 964 children were vaccinated for the first time in their lives under this programme. Pentavalent Vaccine and IPV has also been introduced from October, 2015 throughout the State along with other states inIndia.
51. Inspite of acute financial constraints faced by the Government and limited allocation of subsidized foodstuff by the Central Government, all efforts have been made to facilitate equitable distribution of foodstuff to the public, thereby ensuring food security for the people of Mizoram. The Food, Civil Supply & Consumer Affairs Department has undertaken the computerization of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) operations as per guidelines specified by the Supreme Court of India. The computerization project would cover various aspects of the TPDS operations such as the creation and management of digitized beneficiary database, Online Supply Chain Management of TPDS Commodities till Fair Price Shop level in the first phase, Transparency and Grievance Redressal mechanism using toll free numbers, websites and Fair Price Shop automation. Currently, 2.44 lakh Ration Cards have been digitized and the process of computerization of allocation and movement of Foodstuff till the Godowns is also underway. The Government has created a web portal mizorampds.nic.in through which the public can access all the information and
details regarding allocation of food grains to districts and villages and Fair Price Shops, availability of stock, ration card details and so on. A toll free number, 1967 has been activated for lodging of complaints and grievances. This process will eliminate the phenomenon of bogus/ghost ration cards as well as prevent the leakages of food grains thereby bringing about 100% transparency in the TPDS operations.
52. My Government begins to implement the National Food Security Act 2013 (NFSA 2013) from March 2016 which will ensure food security for poorer sections of society. The Government is looking at measures to increase the supply of LPG to Mizoram and has held discussions with various stakeholders. Talks have been initiated with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) for setting up of a 5 Mega Tonne capacity Bottling Plant for LPG and Fuel Depot for petroleum and oil products which will help in ensuring an uninterrupted supply of LPG and petroleum products. 17 new Godowns are in the final stages of construction and will be commissioned shortly. The FCS & CA Department is also implementing ‘End-to-End Computerization Scheme’ with a total cost of Rs. 9.10 crore.
53. I would like to state before this House that Tax and Non-Tax revenue collection is improving substantially under My Government. The Taxation Department has accrued Rs. 218.73 crore as revenue up to January 2016. Excise duties amounting to Rs. 47. 75 crore has been collected during the current Financial year, 2015-16 (up to 31.1.2016) by the Excise & Narcotics Department. Total revenue collected by the Transport Department (up to December 2015) is Rs. 16.88 crore. An amount of Rs. 9.12 crore has been collected from the State Lottery (upto January 2016) while Net Collections under Small Savings Schemes under Institutional Finance & State Lottery Department (IF&SL) during the year 2015 – 2016 (up to January, 2016) is Rs. 4.89 crore. An amount of Rs. 4.02 crore has been collected as Tax revenue and Rs. 2.31 crore as registration fees/stamp duty by the Department of Land Revenue & Resettlement up to December 2015. Efforts are being made to streamline and simplify the revenue process. The Government is intending to outsource collection of taxes by Local Council/Village Council by giving 5% of the collected amount as commission. Aibawk RD Block has been selected as a pilot project and an inaugural programme was organized on 15th January 2016.
The Geology & Mineral Resources has achieved revenue collection of Rs. 3.95 crores during 2015-16, up to December 2015. Notifying of the revised Mizoram Minor Mineral Concession Rules 2000 in the official Gazette may result in increased revenue collection of up to 20-30 %. PHE Department has earned revenue to the tune of Rs. 24.06 crore during the current financial year (upto December 2015). The Economics & Statistics Department under my Government has estimated the State Domestic Product (SDP) with base year 2004-2005 and the latest reconciled SDP was for the year 2011-2012. Gross SDP at current prices for 2011-2012 is Rs. 6887.95 crore and per capita income is Rs. 52,624/-.
However, base year has been shifted to 2011-2012 and estimation of SDP with new base year is in progress.
54. Honorable Speaker and Honorable Members of this august house, I have presented before you a brief summary of My Government’s achievements and an overview of its Policies and Programs. Time constraints do not permit these to be exhaustive but I assure all that My Government remains fully committed to bringing about prosperity for the people of Mizoram, all-round development of the State and maintenance of peace and unity within the State. I hope that My Government will receive the continued cooperation of Honorable Members of the House and of citizens of this wonderful State.
55. I convey my best wishes to you once again and wish you very fruitful deliberations.
KA LAWM E
JAI HIND
