A one day conference on ‘Strategies for Development of Mizoram’ organized by Mizoram University was held at Education Conference Hall, Mizoram University today. Mizoram Governor Shri Kummanam Rajasekharan gave an inaugural address at the Conference.

Chief Guest Shri Kummanam Rajasekharan in his inaugural address said that Mizoram with its wide array of festival and dances, handicrafts, flora and fauna, natural beauty and climate, has the potential to achieve so much more and become one of the most developed states in the North East. He said that food processing industry can play a vital role in generating employment and bring economic development to the State. He said that the Government of India is committed to develop Mizoram as the bamboo capital of India but will also need the support and expertise of the members present. He said a large number of centrally sponsored schemes are yet to reach the general public and highlighted the need to come up with a strategy to tap those schemes.

Meanwhile, Shri Ashish Kundra, Commissioner and Secretary of Higher & Technical Education department said that the partnership between academicians and policy makers is a welcome move towards developing the State. He said the problems of youth and employment pose the biggest challenge to the State as more students aspire for government jobs once they leave Universities. He suggested creation of economic opportunities such as entrepreneurship and said that anyone will be willing to work regardless of its sector. He also made an announcement that the Hon’ble Governor consented to be the chief patron of Education Summit convened by the State government in partnership with Mizoram University to be held February next year.

Dr. C. Vanlalramsanga, Secretary of Planning and Programme Implementation department said the topic of the conference was one of the most vexing issues dealt by his department. He said development strategies should strike a balance of market, State and community. He prescribed moving beyond optimal economic policies and instead integrate economic, political and social approaches. He backed institutional development that is inclusive to achieve prosperity. He also emphasized on the need to prioritize objectives towards development and then assessment of constraints to achieve them.

Shri Rakesh Srivastava, General Manager of NABARD also identified regional imbalance, the need for a strong production base and marketing of Mizoram as key areas that should be developed. He also suggested a master plan for infrastructures to avoid duplication of efforts.

Today’s conference was convened by Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. R. P. Vadhera while Vice Chancellor Prof. KRS Sambasiva Rao gave a presentation on the strategies to be discussed during the event. Different heads of departments also presented strategies for development.