During his recent visit to Washington the Chief Minister, Pu Lal Thanhawla, met one of the Vice Presidents of World Bank and the Executive Director, representing India in the World Bank on 7th September, 2010 to explore the possibility of World Bank assistance for certain development initiatives which the State Government plans to undertake. The two sectors in which World Bank assistance has been requested for, are - (1) Health and (2) Human Resource Development. The Chief Minister suggested upgradation of the Health services delivery system in the State so that one of the minimum needs of the people could be adequately met. This would include upgradation of medical facilities as primary, district and State level with better in-house services, diagnostic and clinical facilities and specialized medical services in few important disciplines. Secondly, because of the remoteness of the areas leading to spread of health services to a wide and difficult area, a system of networking through IT is called for. This may also facilitate distance consultation with exports and specialists whenever urgently needed. Thirdly, the package may include setting up of a Medical College in the State. Lastly, a comprehensive and well planed programme for control of Cancer and Drug abuses is also required to be taken up.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Human Resource Development is a priority sector of the State Government. He suggested taking up of a comprehensive programme that would cover raising the standard of teaching for Primary to Higher Secondary stage, special efforts to promote teaching of Science and Mathematics, training of teachers and, most importantly, development of vocational education relevant to the needs and potential of the State. It may also provide for promotion of Distance Education with the help of Indira Gandhi National Open University. The report of the Education Reform Commission, Mizoram can provide the base for formulating such a programme.
The Ministry of Power, Government of India has formulated a COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME FOR STRENGTHENING OF TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN NER AND SIKKIM for obtaining World Bank assistance Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance will be submitting the scheme soon for the consideration of World Bank. The Mizoram component of the scheme envisages an estimated expenditure of Rs. 714 crores and involves construction and upgradation of transmission lines and setting up of required sub-stations in view of the fact that weak transmission system has loaded to very high transmission and distribution loss, the scheme assumes great importance for the North East. It is requested that the World Bank, on receipt of the scheme from Government of India, may expeditiously clear it for funding.
While appreciating World Bank assistance of Rs. 350 crore (US $ 70 million) for up-gradation of 184 km. of existing road, the Chief Minister also pleaded for financial assistance to construct one more road i.e. the road from Sairang to Bungtlang (connecting point to the multi-model transport route) with a length of about 350 km. The tentatively estimated cost will be about Rs. 1750 crores (US $ 380 million).
The Chief Minister also requested for additional fund of US $ 13 million, over and above the revised cost of US $ 104 million for the continuing project for upgradation of 184 km. road is required to complete the road project. The proposal for additional loan assistance was forwarded by Government of India to the World Bank. He requested early release of the additional fund to avoid time and cost over-run.
The initial response of the World Bank officials is reported to be very encouraging. They have advised that the State Government might prepare detailed programme in respect of the activities proposed and submit the same to World Bank India representative for initial appraisal.
The Ministry of Power, Government of India has formulated a COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME FOR STRENGTHENING OF TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN NER AND SIKKIM for obtaining World Bank assistance Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance will be submitting the scheme soon for the consideration of World Bank. The Mizoram component of the scheme envisages an estimated expenditure of Rs. 714 crores and involves construction and upgradation of transmission lines and setting up of required sub-stations in view of the fact that weak transmission system has loaded to very high transmission and distribution loss, the scheme assumes great importance for the North East. It is requested that the World Bank, on receipt of the scheme from Government of India, may expeditiously clear it for funding.
While appreciating World Bank assistance of Rs. 350 crore (US $ 70 million) for up-gradation of 184 km. of existing road, the Chief Minister also pleaded for financial assistance to construct one more road i.e. the road from Sairang to Bungtlang (connecting point to the multi-model transport route) with a length of about 350 km. The tentatively estimated cost will be about Rs. 1750 crores (US $ 380 million).
The Chief Minister also requested for additional fund of US $ 13 million, over and above the revised cost of US $ 104 million for the continuing project for upgradation of 184 km. road is required to complete the road project. The proposal for additional loan assistance was forwarded by Government of India to the World Bank. He requested early release of the additional fund to avoid time and cost over-run.
The initial response of the World Bank officials is reported to be very encouraging. They have advised that the State Government might prepare detailed programme in respect of the activities proposed and submit the same to World Bank India representative for initial appraisal.
