Mizorams’ growth rate higher than national average

Aizawl, Jan 26 (IANS) The gross state domestic product (GSDP) of Mizoram has grown by 9.57 percent during 2011-2012 against the national growth of 8.8 percent, Governor Vakkom B. Purushothaman said here Saturday.

“The per capita income in Mizoram has also increased from Rs.30,488 in 2007-08 to Rs.50,021 in the last fiscal (2011-2012),” the governor said, after unfurling the national flag at an event celebrating the Repuclic Day here.

The implementation of the state government’s flagship programme — New Land Use Policy (NLUP) — for the development of rural areas is now in full swing, he said.

“The success of NLUP rests largely on the active participation of the beneficiaries and the concerned government departments. It would further boost the agricultural growth as well as the economy of the state,” Purushothaman stated.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and his council of ministers were present at the celebrations at the Assam Rifles Ground here.

Various contingents of central and state security forces and the National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets paraded and performed various dare devil actst while the school students presented colourful programmes.

The governor said that of the 120,000 targeted beneficiary families, 90,139 families have been covered under the NLUP.

“Following the implementation of the NULP since 2010, there has been 16 percent increase in the estimated production of rice during 2012-2013 and the area under ‘jhum’ cultivation (slash and burn method of farming) has declined by 17 percent during the same period,” he added.

The governor said Mizoram made good progress in power, roads, buildings, bridges, health and education sectors.

The mountainous state, bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh, celebrated the Republic Day with great zeal and passion.

IANS 2013-01-26 15:32:02