172/2026-2027
Aizawl, 12 June 2026 : A meeting between NITI Aayog and the Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of the Northeastern States was held today at the NITI Aayog Office in New Delhi.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma highlighted key concerns and priorities of the Government of Mizoram, as well as issues crucial for the accelerated development of the Northeast region.

The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation for the appointment of Dr. Joram Aniya, a representative from the Northeast, as a Member of NITI Aayog. He also welcomed the initiative of convening a dedicated meeting for the leaders of the Northeastern States.

The major points raised by the Chief Minister included:

Separate All India Service (AIS) Cadre for Mizoram : He emphasized the necessity and importance of establishing a separate AIS cadre for Mizoram. In this regard, he noted that discussions have also been held with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. He highlighted the benefits of having a separate cadre to support the State's development aspirations.

Peace City at Thenzawl : The Chief Minister briefed the meeting on the ongoing initiative to establish a Peace City at Thenzawl. Recalling his own journey—resigning from the Indian Police Service in response to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's call for peace efforts, relinquishing his position as Member of Parliament, and the personal sacrifices he endured—he appealed for continued support and cooperation to realize the vision of the Peace City.

Northeast Economic Connectivity : As Convener of the High-Level Task Force on the Northeast Economic Corridor, he stressed the urgent need to expedite the completion of the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway extending to Thailand. He also noted that the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) has experienced considerable delays and underscored the importance of completing it within a reasonable timeframe.

Review of Aspirational Districts and Blocks : He called for a review of the Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks Programme in the Northeast, particularly in Mizoram. The Chief Minister observed that the current criteria do not adequately reflect the realities and challenges faced by hilly and border states.

Flexibility in Centrally Sponsored Schemes : Referring to the guidelines governing Centrally Sponsored Schemes, he pointed out that many of these guidelines are not fully suited to the unique conditions of the Northeast. He advocated for greater flexibility and necessary modifications to align them with the region's geographical and developmental realities.

Support for Mizoram Ginger Mission : The Chief Minister sought NITI Aayog's support for the expeditious establishment of ginger processing facilities under the Mizoram Ginger Mission.

Tourism and Sports Development : He highlighted various initiatives aimed at advancing Mizoram's tourism sector and briefed the meeting on the progress of the Empowering Mizoram Sports programme under the Sports Department, along with future plans for its expansion.

Utilisation of Gross Budgetary Support : He stated that the Central Government's provision of 10% Gross Budgetary Support for the Northeastern States has been highly beneficial. He further suggested that such funding should be provided with greater flexibility, enabling State Governments to utilise it for their own priority schemes and critical development projects.

During the meeting, NITI Aayog CEO Ms. Nidhi Chhibber welcomed the participants, while Vice Chairman Mr. Ashok Kumar Lahiri delivered the keynote address of the meeting.