Mizoram among NE's leading states in securing externally aided project funding: CM Lalduhoma
Shillong/Aizawl, June 19 Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday said the state has emerged as one of the leading beneficiaries of Externally Aided Projects in the Northeast, effectively leveraging international funding to support infrastructure development and socio-economic growth.
Addressing a seminar on "Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North Eastern States," the Chief Minister cited several major initiatives supported by international development partners, including the Aizawl-Thenzawl-Lunglei Road funded by the World Bank and various road development projects supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), including the Mizoram State Roads II Project aimed at strengthening connectivity in border areas.
The seminar was organised by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Union Ministry of Finance in Shillong. The inaugural session was chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and attended by Chief Ministers from all Northeastern states, along with senior officials from the region and the Government of India.
The seminar aimed to strengthen the capacity of Northeastern states in implementing EAPs and to facilitate the sharing of experiences and best practices. It also reviewed projects implemented across different states over the years and explored ways to design more effective and impactful initiatives for the region's benefit.
The Mizoram Chief Minister highlighted the significant role EAPs play in the state's development. He said externally aided projects not only provide financial assistance but also bring valuable technical expertise, as specialists from partner institutions study local challenges and share their knowledge to improve implementation.
He further highlighted interventions in urban infrastructure, water supply improvement, and public resource management. In agriculture, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-supported FOCUS project has significantly improved rural livelihoods, benefiting around 55,000 households and increasing their income by approximately 43 per cent, while also contributing to environmental conservation.
In the health sector, Lalduhoma said the World Bank-assisted Health System Strengthening Project has enabled 62 government health facilities and hospitals in Mizoram to obtain National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification. Prior to the project, the state had no NQAS-certified health facility or hospital.
He also highlighted the ongoing construction of the Super Speciality Cancer Centre with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the implementation of the Universal Health Care Scheme supported by ADB funding, and the revival of the 24 MW Tuirini Hydroelectric Project with support from the New Development Bank (NDB) as part of the state's efforts towards energy self-sufficiency.
Stressing the importance of EAPs in creating quality infrastructure and accelerating development, Lalduhoma said Mizoram requires access to more such projects. He appealed for an enhancement of the EAP ceiling available to Northeastern states to enable them to undertake a greater number of development initiatives.
During the inaugural session, DEA Secretary Anuradha Thakur delivered the welcome address, while Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered the keynote address. The session was also addressed by Johannes Zutt, Vice President, South Asia Region, World Bank Group, along with the Chief Ministers of the Northeastern states.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, some real progress in the Northeast! The road connectivity projects near border areas are crucial for national security and local economy. And getting 62 health facilities NQAS certified is a big achievement—Mizoram is setting an example for other states. 👏
Very happy to learn about the JICA-funded Super Speciality Cancer Centre—cancer care is badly needed in the Northeast. But we need to see similar progress in other northeastern states too. The centre's progress should be tracked publicly.
Great to see international bodies like World Bank and ADB assisting in road development. The Mizoram State Roads II Project near borders will help trade and connectivity with Myanmar and Bangladesh. But the central government needs to increase the EAP ceiling—these states have huge potential. 💪
Impressive numbers from Mizoram—55,000 households benefited, 43% income increase, 62 health facilities certified. But I'm skeptical about the Tuirini Hydroelectric Project revival. Has the state completed a proper environmental impact assessment? Dams in hilly areas can cause landslides and ecological damage.
Good initiative by the central government to bring all NE Chief Ministers together. The sharing of best practices among states is crucial. But I noticed the article didn't mention how much funding each state actually received—transparency in numbers would build trust among citizens. 🙏
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