The Annual Plan for the year 2013-14 for the state of Mizoram was finalised here today at a meeting between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Pu Lalthanhawla. The plan size has been agreed at Rs.2500 crore.
In his comments on the plan performance, Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia said the State has performed satisfactorily. Progress in social sectors including health, education and agriculture is appreciable. State Government was specially appreciated for achievements under NULP and was assured more support to carry forward the programme. Focussed attention was needed to reduce transmission losses and further accelerating process of road construction.
Mizoram State
The Commission acknowledged that GSDP at constant (2004-05) prices of Mizoram is better than the national average. It has increased by 87.06% from 2004-05 to 2011-12, while, the national GDP increased by 85.21% for the same period.The per capita NSDP at constant (2004-05) prices of Mizoram has increased by 60.35% from 2004-05 to 2011-12 which is almost at par with the increase in national per capita NNI of 62.13% for the same period.
It was pointed-out that irrigation coverage of net sown area is found to be very low, which needs to be accelerated. Bench terracing may be a viable alternative towards water management under agriculture enhancement strategy. There is a need to develop Horticulture Hub in the State to revamp the Sector. Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Sector including Fisheries/Aquaculture may be promoted through Self Help Groups.
Montek S. Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission,
Mr. Ahluwalia drew attention to the state of Industry and pointed-out that the sector is at a nascent stage of development. In order to promote Industrial growth, State Government should create an investor-friendly environment to encourage investments and industrial growth for the creation of employment opportunities and wealth. The thrust areas for achieving the said objectives are (i) improve industrial infrastructure (ii) emphasis on village & small enterprise sectors comprising of handloom, handicrafts, food and bamboo based industries for which raw material and skill is locally available. Attention was specially drawn to the revenue potential in commercial use of bamboo.
Briefing the Commission on plan performance and priorities of the Government during 12th plan, the Chief Minister said the State has maintained fiscal discipline. He said since 2003-04 revenue surplus has been maintained. State has introduced new power policy, revised industrial policy and adopted new land use and management policy to give necessary impetus to the development strategy.
As a result of investment made in developmental activities, significant progress has been achieved in the sectors of Road Transport, Power, Education and Health. During 12th plan, the State would work to provide assured drinking water facility for all habitation. This would include 110 slipped back habitations. He also Planning Commission support in evolving a workable rain water harvesting programme for the State.
*****
