Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia on Monday inaugurated the Aizawl Institute of Arts and Music for the North Eastern Region at Tuivamit Tlang and virtually laid the foundation stones for nine other projects sanctioned under the ministry’s schemes.
The inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony was attended by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, PWD Minister Vanlalhlana, Art and Culture Minister C. Lalsawivunga and Adviser to the Chief Minister (Planning) TBC Lalvenchhunga, among other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Scindia said this was his 35th visit to the Northeast in two and a half years, highlighting the region’s importance in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Referring to India’s technological and scientific achievements, he cited the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s landing near the Moon’s south pole and the development of an indigenous integrated 4G telecommunications stack. He said the Northeast would play a significant role in the country’s future development.
Praising Mizoram’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, Scindia said the region’s cultural richness, particularly its music and traditional performing arts, was a source of pride. He urged the people of Mizoram to preserve their culture and traditions while embracing development and new opportunities.
The Union Minister also highlighted the progress of projects supported by the Ministry of DoNER in Mizoram. He said around 375 projects were being implemented in the state, of which approximately 75% had been completed, crediting Chief Minister Lalduhoma and his team for their efforts.
Scindia encouraged the state to make effective use of emerging opportunities to accelerate development and improve the lives of its people.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma commended the Union Minister for his continued efforts towards the development of Mizoram and the Northeast. He expressed confidence that the projects inaugurated and announced during the programme would significantly benefit the people of the state.
Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena delivered the welcome address, while DoNER Secretary Katikithala Srinivas spoke about the ministry’s work and initiatives.
The programme also featured cultural performances by Zo Tumrik and Sound from the Hills, showcasing Mizo music, along with a presentation of the traditional Mizo dance Chheih lam. Planning and Programme Implementation Commissioner Vanlaldina Fanai delivered the vote of thanks.
North Eastern Council Secretary Satinder Kumar Bhalla, officials from DoNER and NEC, and delegates from various state departments, including PWD, Power and Electricity, Art and Culture, Sports and Youth Services, Health and Family Welfare, and Planning and Programme Implementation, attended the event.
The nine projects for which foundation stones were virtually laid include the improvement and upgradation of Daido Vangkawt Road; construction of a 132 kV single-circuit transmission line on double-circuit towers from Bairabi to West Phaileng via Mamit, along with associated bays; and augmentation of the North Vanlaiphai Water Supply Scheme.
Other projects include an AYUSH Development Centre at MINECO, construction of the Pukzing–Silsuri Road and Tualpui–Champhai Road, and upgradation of oil palm link roads in Kolasib, Mamit, Lunglei and Lawngtlai districts.
The remaining projects comprise construction of a new 40-bedded hostel building for the ANM School at Zemabawk and development of sports infrastructure across Mizoram.
The projects fall under various schemes of the Ministry of DoNER, including the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) and initiatives supported by the North Eastern Council (NEC).
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