Aizawl: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 10 development projects worth approximately Rs 331 crore in Aizawl, as the Centre seeks to accelerate infrastructure development and investment across the Northeast.
Speaking to reporters after arriving at Lengpui Airport, Scindia said the projects reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of positioning the eight northeastern states as the “Ashta Lakshmi” – the growth engines of India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
From the airport, the minister travelled to Tuivamit on the western outskirts of Aizawl, where he inaugurated the Aizawl Institute of Arts and Music for the Northeastern Region and virtually laid the foundation stones for other projects.
Addressing the gathering, Scindia said the Northeast was emerging as a major driver of India’s economic growth and asserted that Mizoram’s geographical challenges should not restrict the aspirations or opportunities of its people.
He said the Centre was working to overcome longstanding difficulties arising from the state’s distance from markets, healthcare facilities and other essential opportunities through improved connectivity and infrastructure.
“Geography may shape our landscape, but it must never shape the limits for our people,” Scindia said, adding that the Centre and the Mizoram government were working together to expand connectivity, create opportunities and improve livelihoods.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s “Ashta Lakshmi” vision, Scindia said the eight northeastern states had recorded compounded annual growth rates of between 9 and 11 per cent, which he said exceeded global and national growth rates.
He added that development efforts in the region must go hand in hand with the preservation of its rich natural environment and cultural heritage while creating new avenues for economic growth.
“Mizoram is a land where the mountains are majestic, but the aspirations of the people of Mizoram stand taller than the height of the mountains,” he said.
Connectivity and economic opportunities
Highlighting improvements in railway connectivity, Scindia said the 52-km Bairabi-Sairang railway line had brought Mizoram onto India’s railway map for the first time. According to him, the line had carried nearly 15 lakh passengers through more than 1,100 train trips over the past year, connecting Aizawl with Guwahati, Kolkata and Delhi.
He also cited the arrival of a 42-wagon freight train carrying 26,000 quintals of rice from Punjab as an example of the improved movement of goods into the state.
“The bamboo of Mizoram, the rice from Punjab, the ginger from Mizoram, these are not connections of flavour alone. They are connections of hearts and experiences,” he said.
Scindia said the Centre was working with Chief Minister Lalduhoma on a Rs 200-crore ginger mission to establish an integrated value chain covering cultivation, processing, branding, transportation and access to international markets.
Emphasising the importance of local economic benefits, he said the value generated from Mizoram’s products should remain within the state, with local communities benefiting from the intellectual property, skills and capabilities associated with them.
On tourism, the minister said Mizoram had received nearly 5.5 lakh visitors, including around 9,000 foreign tourists, during the first six months of the year. He added that the Centre was discussing additional tourism and sports-related projects with the state government.
DoNER projects worth Rs 4,710 crore in Mizoram
Scindia said the DoNER Ministry currently had nearly 375 projects worth around Rs 4,710 crore in Mizoram. Of these, approximately 295 projects, involving Rs 2,700 crore, had been completed.
“This is not data. This is not a promise. This is our track record,” he said.
The 10 projects inaugurated or taken up for which foundation stones were laid on Monday, with a combined value of approximately Rs 331 crore, cover several sectors, including roads, electricity, water supply, healthcare, education, sports, arts and crafts.
Scindia grouped the initiatives into two broad categories: “routes”, representing infrastructure and connectivity, and “roots”, referring to healthcare, education, talent development, arts and culture.
He also highlighted Mizoram’s strong community spirit and called on its people to preserve their cultural identity while expanding their economic and social horizons.
“Mizoram must grow while maintaining its identity. But while Mizoram maintains its identity, it must keep expanding its horizons. While our mountains stand tall, our opportunities must stand taller,” he said.
Scindia to attend Northeast Bankers’ Conclave
Scindia is scheduled to attend the Northeast Bankers’ Conclave at Mizoram University before departing for Delhi on Tuesday, officials said.
The conclave will bring together representatives from the banking sector to discuss ways to strengthen financial inclusion, improve access to institutional credit and support economic growth across the northeastern states.
Earlier on Monday, Scindia said the event aimed to expand access to finance and encourage investment in the region, particularly by facilitating credit for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and entrepreneurs.
