Government of Mizoram
Budget Speech: 1979-80
By Pu Lalhmingthanga
Finance Minister
Mr. Speaker Sir,
I rise to present before the House the Budget Estimate
for 1979-80.
As the Honourable Members are aware a Vote-on-Account
for the first months of the current financial year was approved by
the Parliament during President’s Rule. Honourable Members are being
supplied separately with copies of the Annual Financial Statement,
Demands for Grants, Explanatory Memorandum and Statement in Lokh Sabha
by Minister of Finance, Government of India on 12th March,
1979. Explanatory Memorandum indicates the broad features of the variation
between the Budget Estimate 1978-79 and revised Estimate 1978-79 on
the one hand and the Budget Estimate 1978-79 and Budget Estimate 1979-80
on the other. The Detailed Demand for Grants in one Volume with the
Appendix and the Schedule of Public Works are also being supplied
separately. We are now seeking the approval of the Legislature for
the annual appropriation.
The present Ministry which assumed office in May
’79 have returned with a clear verdict given by the people at the
Poll held in April ’79. The popular mandate given to the Ministry
by the people is a reaffirmation of their faith in the Ministry for
pursuing the path of peace and for bringing about rapid economic development,
particularly in respect of our six basic necessities like food grain,
drinking water supply, electricity, communication and rural development,
etc.
In my Budget Speech last year I mentioned that Mizoram
was passing through a difficult period due to Thingtam famine. The
Administration had tackled the situation successfully. The Administration
have provided alternative source of income to the affected persons
through Employment Generation Schemes, construction of rural link
roads, agriculture roads and some roads of Public Works Department.
Consumption Loan as well as Seed Loans were given to the distressed
families to the tune of 90 lakhs. Gratuitous Relief Grants were given
to handicapped, old and infirm individual. No one was allowed to go
through undue hardship during that period.
During the current year there was unprecedented drought
in Mizoram. The drought condition has created a serious problems to
the Administration. Due to long spell of heat wave and complete absence
of rain there was acute scarcity of water for drinking and domestic
purposes and extensive damage has also been caused to the paddy, other
crops and to livestock. The Administration has drawn up ‘Emergency
Relief Scheme’ for providing relief to the affected people. Supply
of drinking water to town and selected villages by carriage of trucks
was arranged. Medical aids are given to the people with prophylactic
measures. Seeds for supplementary crops were provided to the affected
people whose crops have been affected by heat wave and long spell
of drought and in worst affected areas E.G. Schemes are being implemented.
On our request a Central team led by the Additional Secretary, Ministry
of Agriculture visited Mizoram to assess the extent of damage caused
by drought and they have gone back fully convinced of the critical
condition in Mizoram.
ACCOUNT FOR 1977-78
For the year 1977-78 the total budget estimate both under Revenue
and Capital Accounts was Rs. 5003.84 lakhs. The Budget envisaged a
balance position of the Consokidated Fund at the close of the year
1977-78 but the same closed with a minus balance of Rs.191.81 lakhs.
Such a heavy minus closing balance is attributed to non-affording
of the corresponding grants in aid of Rs.545.39 lakhs on account of
expenditure on construction of Border Road in that year. Thus, there
would have been a plus balance of Rs.353.58 lakhs at the end of the
year 1977-78 had this due amount of grants in aid been released by
Government of India. However, the Revised Estimate for 1978-79 provided
for wiping of this minus balance by sanction of additional grants
in aid of Rs.549.39 lakhs by Government of India. I shall explain
in brief the summary of the Budget Estimate for 1979-80 as compared
to the Revised Estimate of 1978-79
(In lakhs of Rupees)
A – Revenue Account
R.E. 78-79 B.E. 79-80
(i) Gross Expenditure:
(a) Non-Plan
2432.67 2886.87
(b) U.T Plan
1013.15 993.10
(c) N.E.C. Plan
137.51 108.59
(d) Central/Centrally Sponsored Plan
Scheme 213.88 79.57
(e) Central Road Schemes/Construction
of Road by BRTF 639.25
600.96
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Total : 4436.46
4669.09
(ii) Revenue Receipts
179.88
220.64
(iii) Recoveries of Expenditure 75.17
117.44
(iv) Grants in aid from Central Government 4373.22
4331.01
(v) Opening balance
(-) 191.81
-
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Total: 4436.46
4669.09
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B- Capital Account:
(i) Gross Expenditure:
(a)
Non-Plan
1387.02 1663.47
(b) U.T.
Plan 651.66
778.90
(c) N.E.C.
Plan 14.92
12.06
(d) Central/Centrally Sponsored Scheme
31.75
0.03
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Total: 2085.35
2454.46
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(ii) Recoveries of Expenditure
978.21
1335.80
(iii) Capital Receipts
97.30 104.50
(iv) Loans from the Govt. of
India 1009.84
1014.16
Total:
2085.35
2454.46
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Gross
Total Revenue and Capital Expenditure
6521.81 7123.55
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The approved Plan Outlay for 1979-80 is Rs.17.72
crores as against Rs.16.65 crores for 1978-79. Apart from that a sum
of Rs.5.40 crores has been provided for meeting committed expenditure
of the Fifth Year Plan. The Sector-wise distribution of the Plan outlay
for 1979-80 has been shown in Annexure to the Explanatory Memorandum
on the Budget for the current year. The total outlay for NEC Plan
Schemes for 1977-80 is Rs.1.21 crores as against the final allocation
of Rs.1.52 crores for 1978-79. The estimates for 1979-80 also includes
an outlay of Rs.0.80 crore for Central and Centrally Sponsored Schemes
as against the last years allocation of Rs.2.46 crores. In addition
to above we have a provision of Rs.6.01 crores for 1979-80 under the
Central Plan for construction and maintenance of Border Roads by the
BRTF as against the final provision of Rs.6.39 crores for 1978-79.
Thus, total Plan Outlay for 1979-80 stands at Rs.25.74 crores. I shall
now mention briefly the activities and achievements of various Departments.
AGRICULTURE, SOIL CONSERVATION AND FISHERIES
Agriculture is the main activity in the territory
providing sustenance to bulk of our population. The traditional and
unscientific method of cultivation of jhumming are being given up
and a well-thought Plan for permanent cultivation is being implemented.
Large area are brought under permanent cultivation and more areas
are being reclaimed. 2300 hectares of valley land has been reclaimed
and 1000 hecs. Of land has been terraced. During the current Financial
Year the Plan aims at full settlement of 4,354 families and part settlement
of 1,845 families. During the year it is proposed to reclaim 4,354
hectares of land and also to construct 427 K.M. of Agriculture Link
Roads. It is also proposed to irrigate 3000 hectares of land by constructing
irrigation channels storage tanks, dams etc. 800 hectares of land
will be brought under cultivation of sugarcane at Kawnpui and Tlabung.
The strategy of agriculture development is to identify
areas and people for growing species crops of economic importance.
Emphasis is laid on potato cultivation and ginger cultivation. The
Department has been procuring seeds and seedlings and distributing
to the cultivators at subsided rates. Similarly manure and other inputs
have been distributed to the cultivators at subsidised rate.
The cultivators who have been suffering a lot in
spite of incentive given to them by the Government for the last 2
years have been seriously affected by the drought. This drought has
seriously affected agriculture production in Kharif season which is
the main season of cereal crops. Apart from the cereal crop the loss
of paddy crop is to the extent of 70%. The loss of crops and paddy
will lead to the serious food shortage and economy of the cultivator
in general will be shattered. Seeds suitable for growing during the
remaining season of Kharif like Soya Bean, French Bean, Sweet potato,
Local pulses, topioca, Mize, Colacisia, Arhar have been provided to
the cultivators on loan-cum-subsidy. These supplementary crops will
give support to the cultivators, who lost their paddy and other crops.
Emphasis has been laid for development of Fisheries
as fishes locally available are being rapidly depleted as a result
of indiscriminate fishing. The production of fish in the U.T has reached
a level of 600 M.T. and by the end of current financial year the level
of production will reach 900 M.T.
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRY DEVELOPMENT
The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has
undertaken multipurpose scheme with a view to fostering economic stability
as well as self employment of the rural population. The Sixth Five
Year Plan Outlay is Rs.324.78 lakhs with a provision of Rs.55.00 lakhs
in the rolling Plan for the current financial year. Milk Supply Scheme
have been implemented with two main objectives i.e. first, to offer
renumerative prices to the producer and secondly, to distribute milk
to urban consumer at reasonable rate. Cows of high yielding variety
have been distributed at 50% of cost price covering the whole of Mizoram
thereby augmenting milk supply not only in Aizawl town but also in
a number of Group Centres and townships. 160 more cows of high yielding
variety are proposed to be distributed during the current year.
In poultry development a Broiler Farm at Selesih
has been established during the last Financial Year. During the current
year it is proposed to take up a large scale distribution of crossed-bull
to all the pockets in Mizoram for Rural Cattle Development Colony
and Heifer Rearing Programme.
FOREST
Having endowed with abundant forest wealth the emphais
in forestry will be a programme of plantation not only to replenish
the denuded forest with quick growing species but also to plant valuable
trees which would grow to increase our forest wealth. Exploitation
of forest wealth is a basic requirement since many industrial unit
and other consumers depend upon forest products. During the Sixth
Five Year Plan an outlay of Rs.250 lakhs is provided for development
of forest and the annual allotment for the current year is Rs.40 lakhs.
During the current year it is proposed to create plantation of 2300
hecs. with fast growing and economically important species in addition
to preliminary work on plantation. During the year 1978-79 two divisions
have been created and there is a proposal for further strengthening
of the Forest Department during the current year.
As far as Wild Life is concerned in addition to the
existing Dampa Wild Life Game Sanctuary, it is proposed to create
another Wild Life Sanctuary at Tawi.
INDUSTRY
Mizoram has so far been lagging behind in Industrial
development. The new Industrial policy of the Government of India
will go a long way in covering the gap. Under this scheme two District
Industry Centres have been established and the remaining one will
be established within a year or so. The District Industry Centre in
conjunction with Small Scale Industries Corporation will now be in
a position to provide all services that are needed for setting up
new Industries. During the Sixth Plan there is a provision of Rs.3.35
crores and the Annual Plan Outlay fixed for 1979-80 is Rs.53 lakhs.
To encourage Small Industries Loans and Grant in aid to entrepreneurs
and artisans were distributed. 20 Weaving Centres have been organized
and another 10 such centres are proposed to be added during the current
year. Some of the schemes which the Government proposed to establish
during the current year are : setting up of Ginger oil and Oleo Resin
Plant, Saw Mill cum Wood Seasoning Plant at Sairang, mini Sugar Plant
at Kawnpui and Industrial Estate at Sairang.
EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE
The main thrust of our education policy is towards
improvement of elementary and adult education hand in hand with expansion
of secondary and higher education. Emphasis has been laid on the qualitative
improvement. For qualitative improvement of school education, a massive
programme of inservice training for teachers of all categories was
organized and is being continued. With a view to achieve universalisation
of elementary education during the Sixth Plan period 100 posts of
Primary School Teachers and 133 Pre-Primary School Teachers were created.
It is also expected that additional number of Middle Schools and Non-formal
Education Centres are expected to be opened for the children of the
age group of 9 to 14. Supply of free text books and uniform to poor
students and Book Bank is proposed to be increased to benefit 5000
more children. It is also proposed to open 10 Creche/Day Centres for
children of the age group of 0-5 in places where there is concentration
of poor women and casual workers.
Special Nutrition Programme was started in Mizoram
with the object of preventing mal-nutrition among the children of
the weaker section of the society particularly children of rural areas
and also of expectant /nursing mothers by providing supplementary
nutritious food. Two new Children Homes were organized by voluntary
organization under Centrally Sponsored Scheme at Mualpui and Electric
Veng, Aizawl. One ICDS Centre was opened at Lungdar and another will
be opened at Hnahthial during the current year.
The Pachhunga College has been taken over by North
Eastern Hill University. The NEHU opened post-graduate classes in
English, Education and Economics at Aizawl from the current years
session.
HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
The medical care available to the people is inadequate.
Government has been making strenuous effort to improve medical facilities
to the town and rural areas. The Sixth Five Year Plan outlay for Health
and Family Welfare is Rs.5.35 crores while the outlay of the rolling
Plan for the current year is Rs.90 lakhs and in addition a sum of
Rs.32.25 lakhs have been transferred to non-plan Sector as commited
expenditure. During the durrent year construction of six Primary Health
Centres and 92 Sub-Centres are taken up.Construction of additional
140 bedded Ward at Aizawl Civil Hospital including other items of
improvement like X-ray Building, incinerator extension of Gynaecological
Ward, Gas Plant etc. are also taken up. The Public Health Laboratory
attached to Aizawl Civil Hospital was expanded to undertake all major
investigationlike Culture media, Blood Biochemistry in addition to
routine investigation including blood examination etc. A Department
of Cardiology has been opened with ECG and monitoring pace maker facilities
and the long awaited Blood Bank has been opened and functioning in
the Civil Hospital. The Leprosy Control Unit and 20 bedded Leprosy
Hospital has been constructed at Tlabung. The programme for the current
year also includes setting up of new STD Clinic at Saiha, new 20 bedded
T.B. Hospital at Lunglei. The number of seats reserved for MBBS has
been raised from 10 to 15, and a number of Doctors have been sponsored
for post graduate studies.
During the year 1978-79, 40 Dispensary cum Quarters
and 77 Staff Quarters of the Sub-Centres in various interior places
in Mizoram has been constructed.
SUPPLY AND TRNSPORT
Despite our best effort the State is deficit in foodgrain
production. The crop production during the last two preceding years
was not successful due to Thingtam, drought, insects and pests. The
Department continued to import foodgrain through F.C.I. and maintain
buffer stock of foodgrain. There is a provision of 13.36 crores for
trading in foodgrains.
During 78-79, the operation of Mizoram Transport
expanded considerably. During the current year it is proposed to purchase
more Buses to enable the Department to open new route and also to
increase frequencies of Bus service in the major routes.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, POWER INCLUDING WATER
SUPPLY
A good network of roads and bridges is a vital part
of infra-structure for development. The Administration has laid great
emphasis on development of communication in the Union Territory. Formation
cutting of 150 K.M. and black topping of 20 K.M. were achieved during
the year 1978-79 against the 172 K.M. for formation cutting and 27
K.M. for black topping. Also 70% of works against target for metalling
of 100 K.M. have been done. In the Sixth Five Year Plan special emphasis
has been laid on linking undeveloped area by a net-work of dependable
road. Within the outlay of Rs.24 crores the Sixth Five Year Plan targets
at achieving 618 K.M. of formation cutting,452 K.M. of metalling and
434 K.M. of black topping. It is intended that all villages having
a minimum population of 1500 be linked by road during the Sixth Plan.
Apart from road construction and maintenance of a
major work undertaken by P.W.D. is construction of building. This
include not only office building but also residential quarters. To
provide proper accommodation to the officer and staff it is proposed
to construct 177 Units of residential buildings at Luangmual. The
Plan outlay of Rs.30 lakhs has been earmarked for construction of
Mizoram House in Delhi and Silchar and this work along with construction
of Mizoram House at Calcutta have been entrusted to CPWD.
Power is an essential component of basic infra-structure
required for economic progress. There has been considerable shortage
of power in Mizoram. In addition to power available from Diesel generator
we are receiving about 1 M.W. of grid power through 66 K.V. transmission
line. Another 2 M.W. is expected from Kardam-Kalai Power Station.
New Diesel power Stations are proposed to be installed at Biate and
Chawngte. During the Sixth Five Year Plan it is aimed at electrification
of 88 villages covering about 40% of the total villages and 62% of
rural population. The N.E.C. has already approved construction of
transmission line from Jiribam to Aizawl during the Sixth Five Year
Plan. For attaining self reliance in power, emphasis have been already
been prusuaded to make preliminary investigation of Tuivai river for
major Hydel Project. Our P.W.D. has already taken up preliminary investigation
of Tlawng river for medium project.
One of the basic need of the Society is regular and
safe drinking water. Therefore, the Administration of Mizoram has
accorded priority to the task of providing drinking water to the people.
The President of India, during hi visit to Aizawl in February 1979
has laid a foundation stone of Aizawl Water Supply Augmentation Scheme
at Tuikhuahtlang. This Scheme will provide water to the present population
of Aizawl town and suburb area of more than 60,000. Water Supply Augmentation
scheme for Lunglei Town is under process. Substantial progress has
been made on another 47 on-going Water Supply Schemes. The Annual
Plan for the current year provide for completion of 15 schemes and
continuation of work in another 32 on-going scheme in addition to
28 new schemes.
During the current year it is proposed to strengthen
the P.W.D. establishment by creation of 2 Circles and 7 Divisions.
CO-OPERATION
Co-operative movement in Mizoram play a vital role
in the Public distribution system of essential commodities of mass
consumption and consumer goods. During the current financial year
it is proposed to spend Rs.40 lakhs for implementation of various
schemes. This amount will be distributed to as many as 82 Co-operative
Societies including four State Level Co-operative Societies in the
shape of Grant in aid, Loan and Capital investment.
At present there are six State Level Co-operative
Societies namely Mizoram Apex Marketing Society Ltd. Mizoram Wholesale
Co-operative Society Store, Mizoram Apex Weaver Co-operative Society,
the Mizoram Apex Bank Ltd.and Mizoram Co-operative Union functioning
with different assignment of work. The Mizoram Co-operative Bank Ltd.
has been organized recently and is expected that the Society will
effectively undertake its responsibility of financial the Co-operative.
During the Sixth Plan period 4 LAMPS will be organized as State Level
Co-operative Society.
LAND REVENUE
During the year 1978-79 as many as 397 Patta for
agriculture land for various purposes covering an area of 3872 bighas
had been allotted to individuals. In Aizawl and Champhai house site
to 348 and 31 respectively have been allotted.
Cadastral survey of agriculture land covering an
area of 13.55 hecs. has been carried out against the target of 2,000
hecs. during the current year. During the current year it is proposed
to send 18 candidates to undergo survey training at Survey Training
Institute at Hyderabad.
ECONOMIC AND STATISTIC
The Department has maintained a tempo of providing
the Government with all informations and vital statistics pertaining
to all development activities in order to enable the Government to
formulate Plan Policy and programmes in a realistic manner. The Department
has also been entrusted with the task of coordination of statistics
collected by different Departments, publication of price statistics
and Quartery Progress Report. The Department has also taken up additional
responsibility of statistical works such as economic census, cottage
and small scale industrial survey, distribution trade survey, agriculture
census and National Service Schemes.
DISTRICT COUNCILS
The quantum of Grant in aid to the District Councils
has been enhanced to enable them to meet the administrative expenditure.
In addition a number of schemes have been entrusted to the District
Council for execution. During the current Financial year a sum of
Rs.7 lakhs has been allocated by the planning Commission in addition
to Rs.4.11 lakhs transferred to non-plan sector as committed expenditure.
It is proposed to construct 42 K.M. Jeepable road, 84 K.M. of inter-village
path, 15 wooden bridges and 48 water tanks.
HOUSING
For the benefit of persons belonging to economically
weaker section of society the U.T. Administration has takenup scheme
of Middle Income Group Housing, Low Income Group and Village Housing
Scheme. During 1978-79 about 300 persons have been given loan under
Middle and Low Income Group. In addition a number of additional Loan
have been given to persons who could not complete the construction
of their house from the previous loan.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The Department is mainly engaged in various developmental
works in rural areas. During the current year it is proposed to construct
10 K.M. of jeepable road,100 K.M. of inter-village path, 25 playgrounds
and 25 Community Halls. Musical instruments, sports goods, and other
materials required for social services are supplied to the deserving
group at subsidized rate.
The Plan Outlay for the Sixth Five Year Plan under
Community Development is Rs.130 lakhs and the Annual Plan for the
current year is Rs.26 lakhs.
REHABILITATION.
During the current year there is a budget provision
of Rs.70 lakhs under grant and Rs.10 lakhs under Loan. The implementation
of the scheme for Rehabilitation of MNF returnees was intensified
since 1978-79. The Rehabilitation Grant at the rate of Rs.1000/- has
been given so far to about 766 returnees. The procedure for disbursement
of cash Rehabilitation Grant in 2 installments with a gap of 5 months
between the first and the second installment was modified and now
the grant is paid in one lumpsum of Rs.1000/-. 120 MNF returnees have
been rehabilitated under normal agriculture scheme of land reclamation
and 200 returnees were also selected for potato cultivation scheme.
Another 63 MNF returnees were given Loan for Dairy Farming and 103
returnees were sanctioned Rice Huller on Hire Purchase basis. A separate
cell is being organized to look after the work of MNF returnees rehabilitation
more effectively.
As the Honourable Members are aware Mizoram attained
Union Territory only in 1972. The task of socio-economic development
is gigantic. But with our firm determination and cooperation of Honourable
Members, I am sure we will succeed in our mission. I earnestly request
the Honourable Members to give the Government their full support and
cooperation. We will welcome their valuable and constructive suggestions
and criticism for improving Administrative system and procedure and
for economy in public expenditure. I would like to make a mention
of the need of financial discipline without which the utmost use of
resources would not be possible. What we lack in resources has to
be made good through judicious and economic use of the available resources.
With your permission, Sir, I place the Budget for
1979-80 before the House for consideration and approval.
Jai Hind
