Mizoram CM Lalduhoma seeks special funding from 16th Finance Commission

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday urged the 16th Finance Commission to provide special financial consideration for his state, given its difficult terrain, frequent natural disasters like floods and landslides, water scarcity, and other problems.

The Chief Minister, during a meeting with the Finance Commission led by its Chairman Arvind Panagariya, stated that nearly 83.56 per cent of Mizoram’s revenue comes from tax devolution and grants-in-aid, with only about 16.77 per cent generated internally. Lalduhoma highlighted the unique geographical and economic conditions of the state, noting that over 84 per cent of Mizoram’s land is covered by forests, making land availability a challenge.

He stressed the importance of sustainable land use, conservation of forests, flora, and fauna, and the need for special financial considerations to address these challenges. The Chief Minister pointed out that Mizoram, with its high tribal population (94.4 percent), has a significant workforce engaged in traditional occupations.


"Despite the state's high literacy rate, it faces hurdles due to its mountainous terrain, lack of industrial opportunities, and high costs of essential goods and transportation," he said, urging the Finance Commission to provide continued financial support to overcome these challenges and promote sustainable development.

The 16th Finance Commission members also deliberated on several key proposals from the Mizoram government, including support for skill development initiatives for youth, optimal utilization of bamboo resources, and the establishment of additional nursing schools and colleges.

The Finance Commission Chairman, accompanied by three members—Ajay Narayan Jha, Annie George Mathew, and Manoj Panda—and several officials arrived in Aizawl on Sunday and met with Governor Gen Vijay Kumar Singh (retd) at the Raj Bhavan. As part of their nationwide study on state finances, the 16th Finance Commission has already visited 18 states, with Mizoram being the 19th.

The Government of India, through the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), along with the State Government of Mizoram, through the Directorate of Science and Technology, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of the Chief Minister.

In the MoU, the Directorate of Science and Technology will provide space and other necessary support to the IMD for setting up a Meteorological Centre (State Headquarters) at the Science Centre, Berawtlang, Aizawl. The IMD will provide meteorological data for climate study and weather services.