Governor Lt Gen Nirbhay Sharma appreciates support of civil societies

AIZWAL: Mizoram Governor Lt General Nirbhay Sharma today appreciated the support of civil society and voluntary organisations in the state for maintaining Mizoram's status as "one of the most peaceful states in the country".

Addressing the people at the Assam Rifles ground here on the occasion of the 67th Republic Day after unfurling the Tricolour, Sharma urged the people to work for the objectives that would make Mizoram a place where all can live with dignity, peace, prosperity and happiness.

He said the state government was committed to continuing the flagship programme of the New Land Use Policy (NLUP) which came into force on April 1 last year and has decided to extend the programme for another five years.

"The NLUP has made good progress in uplifting the economy of the state and is providing sustainable means of livelihood to the people," the Governor said.

The Mizoram Economic Survey, 2014-15 has reflected that the economy of the state grew at 8.45 per cent which is higher than the all India average, he said, adding that the survey has also highlighted reduction of area under 'jhum' cultivation by over 21 per cent, which could be attributed to the positive impact of the NLUP.

On the power sector, he said construction of the 60-megawatt Tuirial Hydro Electric Project was in full swing and the project was expected to be commissioned during 2016 while Thawva Small Hydel project (3MW), Kawlbem Small Hydel Project (3.5 MW) and Tuiriza and Tuiching Small hydel projects (100 KW each) were expected to be completed by 2017.

On the education front, Sharma said total literacy drive was being conducted across the state with special focus on south Mizoram's Lawngtlai and Lunglei districts and also Mizoram-Tripura-Bangladesh border districts, with a view to achieve the number one position in literacy percentage in the country.

He added that impetus was also given to bamboo sector development to tap the high bamboo potential in the state.