Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, speaking at the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, emphasised the urgent need to develop a new city in the state.
He pointed out that approximately 80 per cent of Mizoram’s population currently lives in the capital, Aizawl, leading to increasing congestion and strain on urban infrastructure.
In a proposal presented during the meeting, Lalduhoma suggested Thenzawl — located in Serchhip district, around 93 km from Aizawl — as the ideal site for the new city.
The proposed urban center could potentially accommodate 1 to 1.5 million residents, helping to ease the burden on Aizawl and support balanced regional development.
The Chief Minister also highlighted several key initiatives launched by the state government. Among them is the ‘Bana Kaih’ scheme, which offers collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 50 lakh with interest subvention of up to 100 per cent, aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses.
He mentioned that the government has rolled out various welfare programs for entrepreneurs and is actively promoting innovation through competitions designed to identify and support creative talent.
To attract investments, Mizoram has revised its investment policy and strengthened Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) by partnering them with industries.
Lalduhoma noted that Mizoram has an unemployment rate of just 2.2 per cent, with women constituting 45 per cent of the workforce — a significant indicator of inclusive growth.
Additionally, under the ‘Empowering Mizoram Sports’ scheme, the government is setting up coaching and talent development centres across the state to nurture young athletes.
He also celebrated Mizoram’s recent recognition as a fully literate state, attributing it to the state’s strong focus on education and skill development.
The chief minister concluded by reiterating the state’s commitment to the goals of the NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission.
All departments have been directed to submit action plans aligned with the national vision of achieving a developed India by 2047.
