March 22, 2010
Phalguna 24, 1931

The Annual Plan for Mizoram for the year 2010-11 was finalized here today at a meeting between Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Minister of Mizoram Shri Lal Thanhawala. The Annual Plan was finalized at Rs.1500 crore. This includes Additional Central Assistance of Rs. 70 crore for projects of special interest to the State.

Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia appreciated the performance of the State but said that the State Government needs to involve private sector for development of infrastructure. He further said that the award of Thirteenth Finance Commission will provide additional funding to the Hill State. The State, Ahluwalia said, should focus on horticulture, fisheries and forestry.

Mr. Ahluwalia also asked the State to impose user charges and raise tax and non-tax revenue as the GSDP – tax ratio is low.

The Chief Minister said that State Government is making all efforts to involve private sector in development of infrastructure, though the State is facing problem due to locational disadvantage.

The policy of the State Government will be to take up as many projects as possible under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Mr. Lal Thanhawala requested the Planning Commission to provide special central assistance to the State for completion of on-going projects, specially the Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex.

NNK / RK
 

PIB, Aizawl