Mizoram launches flagship programme

Aizawl | January 14 : The flagship programme of Lal Thanhawla led Mizoram government; the New Land Use Policy (NLUP) was formally launched today at a public reception held in Vanapa Hall, Aizawl. Simultaneous launching programmes of NLUP were also organised in six other district headquarters, viz. Lunglei, Saiha, Kolasib, Serchhip, Mamit and Champhai and also Chakma Autonomous District Council Headquarters Chawngte.
The policy, which aims at uplifting the poor and providing sustainable livelihood for about 1,20,000 families at its primary phase of 5 years, is expected to bring about an economic revolution in the state.
Speaking at the launch, chief minister Lal Thanhawla said, “Insurgency played havoc with the livelihood of the Mizos, but today NLUP brings the beacon of hope for those who are ready to put in sincere hard work and determined to change their lives for the better. The government is also doing its part by trying to provide sufficient power and better roads at the earliest in order to make the project a success.” He also announced that henceforth 14th January, the day of NLUP launch, will be observed in the state as “Kuthnathawktute Ni” (or Farmers’ Day).
Besides commercial utilisation of abundant domestic resources, NLUP aims at gradually changing the practice of jhumming with a new pattern of land use, empowerment of people, preservation of the environment and adoption of effective water harvesting measures. With the implementation of the project, Mizoram is expected to be transformed socially and economically. All jhummia families will gradually switch over to permanent and sustainable livelihood activities, hence income levels of those involved in agriculture and allied sectors will increase drastically.
The over-all growth of the state’s economy is expected to increase to 16% in the next 8-10 years against 6% during the past decade. In 10 years, the per capita income will increase from Rs. 32,634/- in 2008-2009 to Rs.51,846/-.
The project will adopt community participation and utilisation of village institutions. Strategies will be laid out for effective marketing opportunity for NLUP beneficiaries to sell their products. Monitoring Cells will be formed at all district and village levels, which will supervise activities of all beneficiaries as well as concerned departments.
At today’s launch of NLUP in the state capital, the chief minister gave away the first instalment of funds amounting to Rs.20,000/- each to 400 NLUP beneficiaries. He also inaugurated the new NLUP website www.nlup.mizoram.gov.in. Altogether 4000 NLUP beneficiaries were handed over the first instalment of funds in all the 7 districts where the project was simultaneously launched today.