Mizoram gears up to eradicate poverty
Source: The Sangai Express

Aizawl, January 15, 2011: For the first time not only in the North East but also in whole of India, the New Land Use Policy, a flagship programme of Mizoram Government has been launched in seven districts of the State yesterday.

The policy envisages to eradicate poverty in Mizoram in 10 years.

Chief Minister of Mizoram Lal Thanhawla launched the policy in respect of Aizawl district during an impressive function at the Vanapa hall.

To cover the event, Mizoram Government have invited a large number of journalists from other parts of the country including Manipur as well.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla called for making 2011 as a year for increasing food production in Mizoram since the New Land Use Policy has been launched.

Though a flagship programme of the State Government, the policy would be implemented in co-ordination with other Centrally sponsored schemes, he informed, adding that to ensure successful implementation of the policy, 8 line departments have been identified and awareness campaign had been conducted over the last two years.To commemorate the launch of the policy, January 14 every year would be observed as Kut Hnathawktute Ni (Labourers' Day or Farmers' Day), the Chief Minister announced.

In his address, Vice Chairman of Implementing Board of the Policy PL Thanga said that in the first phase of implementing the policy, 45139 families would be covered and the activities taken up under the policy would be monitored closely.

Along with launching the policy, the Chief Minister also distributed monetary assistance among the beneficiaries for taking up different trades under the policy.

Interacting with the journalists in his office after the function, the Chief Minister explained that the policy envisages to eradicate poverty (BPL families) from Mizoram in 10 years and jhum cultivation would be stopped for good.

Under this policy, villagers would be ensured sustainable livelihood.

Rs 2873 crores has been set aside for the implementation of the policy which is started to benefit around 1,20,000 families, the Chief Minister said, and disclosed that the Government had taken the help of Young Mizo Association in the selection of the beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister informed that the groundwork for implementation of the policy began during the rule of Congress in the State in 1984.The Centre has also been of great help in the finalisation of the policy.

Billed as first of its kind not only in North East but also in the country, the New Land Use Policy encourage the beneficiaries to take up developmental activities related to agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, veterinary, forest industries, soil and water conservation.

For the convenient of implementing the policy, 60 percent of the total geographical area of Mizoram has been earmarked as rainforest, 10 percent as community reserve forest, 10 percent for firewood, 15 percent for cultivation and the remaining 5 percent for habitation, industrialisation area, road, etc.

For successful implementation of the policy, various committees from village to State level have been set up.

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