Government of Mizoram
Budget Speech: 2002-03
By Zoramthanga
Chief Minister and Minister of Finance
Mr Speaker Sir,
1. I rise to present
before this august House, the Supplementary Demands for the current
year 2001-2002, Vote on Account for the months of April, May and June,
2002 and the Budget Estimates for the fiscal year 2002-2003.
2. At the outset, I would
like to inform this House that the Annual Plan size of Rs 430,00 crore
for Mizoram was finalised at New Delhi only on February 18, 2002.
As a result of this, there would not be enough time for the honourable
Members to discuss and consider the full Budget for 2002-2003 before
the end of the current financial year. Therefore, I am now seeking
Vote on Account for the first three months of 2002-2003.
3. We are all aware that
the country as a whole is facing acute fiscal stress and the impact
of which is enormously felt in all the States with no exception to
Mizoram. The finances of the State Governments and of the Union Government
have shown considerable deterioration over the years and a very high
Gross Fiscal Deficit to Gross Domestic Product ratio has called for
fiscal reforms at State level which has become an important component
of overall economic reforms.
4. I would like to share
with you the fact that the fiscal problems have severely limited the
capacity of the Government to make substantial investment for building
up of adequate infrastructure for development in the State. Wages
and salaries of Government employees, as a proportion to total expenditure,
have risen from 32.29 per cent in 1997-1998 to 46.13 per cent in 2001-2002.
Low user charges for public services have resulted in a high subsidy
element in certain sectors like power and water supply. For improvement
of financial administration and fiscal management, the Mizoram Government
is continuing its efforts to mobilise additional resources by enhancing
existing rates of taxes, fees and tariff. Some new measures have also
been introduced like realisation of vehicle fees from all Officers
who are using Government vehicle and collection of vehicle parking
fees. Quite a number of economy measures have also been taken up like
non filling up of vacant posts, moratorium on fresh recruitments,
substantial reduction of current level of office expenses and of the
engagement of Work Charged and Muster Roll employees.
5. The recommendation
of the Eleventh Finance Commission (EFC) for a monitorable Medium
Term Fiscal Reforms Programme (MTFRP) to augment revenue income and
to reduce the revenue deficit of all the States has been accepted
by the Government of India. The Mizoram Government is also no exception
to the programme launched by the Central Government. The fiscal reforms
programme by and large will aim at taking effective steps for revenue
augmentation and expenditure compression over a five year period with
the base year being 1999-2000. Each state has to draw up its own Medium
Term Fiscal Reforms Programme (MTFRP) with objectives to achieve gross
fiscal deficit as an aggregate to fall to 2.5 per cent of the Gross
State Domestic Product (GSDP), revenue deficit falling to zero, interest
payments as a percentage of revenue receipt as a whole maintained
at 18 to 20 per cent. Further, increases in wages and salaries should
not exceed 5 per cent or increase in the consumer price index which
ever is higher, increase in interest payment in absolute terms should
also be limited to 10 per cent per year and the explicit subsidies
to be brought down by 50 per cent over the next five year period with
a view to eliminate subsidies altogether by 2009 to 2010.
6. With the above objectives
in view, the Mizoram Government is also drawing up its own Medium
Term Fiscal Reforms Programme (MTFRP) under which higher rates of
taxes in some areas will have to be considered in due course and also
avoidable expenditure may have to be further pruned down. One of such
measures for reduction of expenditure is to privatise to the extent
possible the fleet of Government vehicles. The State Government is
spending quite a substantial amount for the maintenance of vehicles.
A proposal is under active consideration of the State Government to
provide car loan at a very nominal rate of interest to the affected
Officers following implementation of the scheme. The scheme, amongst
others, envisages that all the vehicles of Government which have completed
seven years of service from the date of purchase shall be disposed
off by drawing of lots among the Officers. On implementation of the
scheme the Officers shall be allowed to hire private vehicles at the
rates approved by the Government for discharging their official duties.
Further, all regular drivers thus rendered idle following the implementation
of this scheme shall be eligible to voluntary retirement for which
special Rules are being finalised. It is hoped that implementation
of these schemes will immensely reduce Government expenditure especially
under Non-Plan sector.
7. The Government of
Mizoram has been carrying out its bounden duties and responsibilities
towards improvement of public welfare and economic upliftment in right
earnest through various development programmes in the State. Due to
the limited resource base of the State, it has been rather difficult
to fulfil all the aspirations of the people to the desired level.
I hope, the hon’ble members will appreciate the fact that this Government,
despite various constraints is continuing its endeavour to accelerate
the pace of development by pursuing relentlessly the implementation
of viable projects already in hand and also by laying of new foundations
for the economic development of the State. Recently, a new scheme
called "Mizoram Intodelhna Project" (MIP), a self-sufficiency
project for Mizoram has been launched. The focal point of this project
is upliftment of the rural poor, to emancipate them from the drudgery
of back breaking, unremunerative and traditional practice of shifting
cultivation, which will at the same time help the ongoing afforestation
and green Mizoram programmes.
8. We all know that one
of the hurdles of development in Mizoram is non-availability of adequate
power supply. The restricted power demand of Mizoram today is around
93 MW. The State’s own sector generation including diesel power generation
at present is only 22 MW. The power import from outside the State
is around 35 MW only against the allocation of 55.09 MW from the Central
power stations. This has resulted in a 30 per cent shortfall of power
demand. In order to tackle this problem, this Government, has given
priority to generation of power within the State. As a result of our
untiring efforts, the Bairabi Thermal Plant with a capacity to generate
22.92 MW has been sanctioned and the work will be started shortly.
Further, quite a number of other proposals for Hydel Projects are
in the final stages.
9. I am happy to inform
the honourable Members of the notable progress made in State Roads
Project (World Bank Aided Project) which so far will be the biggest
project for building up of development infrastructure to be undertaken
by the State Public Works Department. All required codal formalities
with World Bank authorities and Government of India, are in the final
stages. The representatives of Government of India, are in the final
stages. The representatives of Government of India, Government of
Mizoram and World Bank had signed the important agreements during
February 8th-13th, 2002 at Washington (USA).
The World Bank road project estimated to cost about Rs 350 crore comprises
Improvement (Widening and Strengthening) of Aizawl-Thenzawl-Lunglei
road including Aizawl bypass of about 184 kilometres length and rehabilitation
and maintenance of about 520 kilometres of 9 selected roads at various
places. The works on Aizawl-Thenzawl road is expected to start during
this year to be completed within 36 months from the date of commencement
of the work. The rest of works will also be taken up in right earnest
from the next financial year onwards.
10. Before I highlight
the achievements and programmes of various Departments, let me briefly
take a view of the Revised Budget Estimates and the Budget Estimates
for the year 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 respectively.
11. Revised Budget
Estimates: The Revised Budget Estimates for 2001-2002 show tremendous
increase in the demands from that of the original Budget Estimates.
The main reason for this being the inclusion of all the sanctioned
Central Plan and Centrally Sponsored Schemes for which only token
provisions had been made in the original budget. It is also seen that
the growth of State’s own income is far from proportionate to that
of the growth in expenditure requirement. This obviously indicates
the need for further efforts in mobilisation of State’s Own Resources.
The Revised Budget Estimates aim at closing the current fiscal year
with a deficit of Rs 163.68 crore.
12. Budget Estimates
for 2002-2003: The State Annual Plan outlay for 2002-2003 has
been fixed by the Planning Commission at Rs 430 crore as against Rs
410 crore in 2001-2002. The provision for Rural Connectivity has been
taken out from the State Plan funding for 2002-2003. It is expected
that not less than Rs 22 crore which is the current year’s allocation
for Rural Connectivity will again be allocated outside the normal
State Plan for the year 2002-2003. Unlike in the past, allocation
of funds under Article 275(1) has been earmarked as Additional Central
Assistance from 2002-2003. While we gladly welcome the growth in the
Annual Plan allocation, the State Government cannot remain complacent
within the allocation alone but must make concerted efforts to generate
more resources. The Planning Commission while analysing the State’s
finances has found that there is ample scope for further mobilisation
of additional resources. The State Government has to put major thrust
on collection of additional resources in certain areas like sales
tax, power, water, land revenue, forest royalty and through the State
Lotteries. The gross Budget Estimates for expenditure during 2002-2003
has come to Rs 1294.52 crore and that of the gross receipt is estimated
at RS 1222.24 crore out of which State’s own tax and non-tax revenue
is estimated at Rs 81.18 crore with a deficit of Rs 3.08 crore during
the year resulting in a closing deficit of Rs 166.76 crore at the
end of the next financial year.
13. I shall now briefly
review the progress and achievements of various Departments during
the current year and the programmes envisaged for the next year.
(1) Agriculture:
During 2001-2002, the Department has taken up 213.86 hectares of land
development under Wet Rice Cultivation by mechanisation as well as
by manual in various districts. 400 quintals of high yielding varieties
of paddy seedlings were procured and an estimated 5% seed replacement
of these varieties with the local low yielding varieties was achieved.
To promote and popularise mechanisation, 17 tractors and 13 power
tillers were sold to farmers at subsidized rates. Under Minor Irrigation,
a Command Area Project Programme covering 1133 hectares was taken
up for Wet Rice Cultivation and completed.
Training programmes as
well as exchange visits to various places across the country were
conducted for the farmers in villages and District Headquarters.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to take up land development in 401 hectares for
Wet Rice Cultivation at an estimated cost of Rs 35.00 lakh. Under
Minor Irrigation, 50 new projects are proposed to be taken up with
the assistance of National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development
(NABARD) and Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) for which
Rs 350.00 lakh has been earmarked. Production of maize, oilseeds and
pulses is proposed to be taken up. To parallel the use of chemical
fertilizer, production of bio-fertilizers will be taken up under the
Bio-fertilizer unit already set up at Neihbawih farm.
(2) Horticulture Department:
Under Area Expansion scheme, the Department distributed various planting
materials to 4049 beneficiaries/farmers. Term loan amounting to Rs
20,000/- per beneficiary was given to 200 passion fruit growers totalling
Rs 40.00 lakh. Agro films, GI sheets and cash component of Rs 3,604
per beneficiary was given to 120 beneficiaries for construction of
water harvesting structures. Survey and Investigation for 80 kilometres
of Horticulture Link Road was completed during the year and formation
cutting has also been started.
During 2002-2003, construction
of District Horticulture offices at Aizawl, Lunglei and Saiha will
be taken up. To increase the production of potato, 1100 quintals of
potato seed tubers is proposed to be procured and given to farmers
for which Rs 20.00 lakh has been earmarked. To further facilitate
conveyance of farm inputs and outputs further construction of 40 kilometres
of Horticulture Link Roads will be given top priority. To apprise
and educate cultivators on the modern techniques of orchard management
and different aspects of Horticulture, awareness campaigns, seminars,
exhibitions and farmers tours will be conducted.
(3) Power & Electricity
Department : During this year the Department undertook the extension
of 139.40 kilometres of 11 KV and 40.10 kilometres of LT transmission
lines and set up 52 distribution Sub-Stations. Modification and augmentation
of Zuangtui Sub-station and Luangmual Sub-station by 12.5 MVA each
was also completed. In continuation of last year’s Rural Electrification
Programme, 9 villages were electrified during the year.
During 2002-2003, the
Department will take up construction of the 22.92 MW Bairabi Thermal
Project for power generation. Ongoing Hydel Projects like 12 MW Serlui
‘B’, 3 MW Maicham Phase II and 500 KW Lamsial Mini Hydel Project are
also proposed to be continued. Improvement and Extension of Transmission
lines across the State are proposed to be taken up along with setting
up of 22 Sub-stations. The Department also endeavors to further electrify
20 villages within the year.
(4) Industries Department:
The Department has taken up construction of internal road, culverts,
retaining walls and pavement works for the development of Industrial
Growth Centre at Luangmual. For maximum utilisation of Bamboo resources
in the State, a Rs 4 crore Project of Bamboo Floor Board Unit at Sairang
under Non-Lapsable Pool of Central Resources is in progress. In this
connection, an International Bamboo Housing Workshop, the first of
its kind in India, was organised at Aizawl, jointly with International
Network of Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) and Cane and Bamboo Technology
Centre of UNIDO. For development of Tea industry, 6.89 lakh newly
raised tea seedlings were distributed to 467 tea growers at Biate
and Ngopa.
In the field of Information
Technology, site preparation of 10 Community Information Centres (CIC)
is in progress. A Centre for Electronic Design and Technology of India
(CEDTI) was set up at Zuangtui, Aizawl and training in DOEACC ‘O’
level has commenced at Aizawl and DOEACC ‘A’ level at Lunglei.
During 2002-2003, it
is targeted to initiate works of drawal of water from Tlawng river,
electrification, site development and construction of Factory sheds
at Luangmual. Bamboo Development Action Plan prepared by INBAR is
under active consideration of the Government for implementation. Preparation
of Draft Bamboo Policy for Mizoram is in its final stages and a Bamboo
Development Agency has recently been established for its effective
implementation. It is proposed to vigorously take up computerization
and e-governance of Industries Department as well as improvement of
Community Information Centre facilities at Government offices.
(5) Public Health
Engineering Department: Under Rural Water Supply Programme; 206
habitations are being covered during the current year. Water Supply
Scheme to 5 towns had been completed under Plan scheme while 4 towns
were covered under Accelerated Urban Water Supply Programme (AUWSP)
of which Darlawn and Sairang Water Supply Schemes have been commissioned.
Over 1000 Low Cost Sanitary latrines were constructed at different
places across the State. A project for the rehabilitation of the drainage
system in Mizoram was initiated at 123 places within 60 Village Councils.
A Pilot Project for providing safe drinking water with direct participation
of the public has been undertaken in various habitations within Serchhip
District.
(6) Health & Family
Welfare Department: Construction of Community Health Centres at
Thenzawl and Mamit and a Primary Health Centre at Pangzawl have been
completed. With financial assistance from National Bank for Agricultural
and Rural Development, a Primary Health Centre at Sialhawk, a Maternity
Centre at ITI Veng and 10 new sub-centres at different places were
constructed. Establishment of 2 Regional Diagnostic Centres are being
taken up with provision under Eleventh Finance Commission. Under Hospital
Programme, a CT Scan has been procured with financial assistance from
National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development.
During 2002-2003, installation
of CT Scan and Medical Pipe Gas System will be taken up and operationalised.
New schemes for setting up of one Community Health Centre, one Primary
Health Centre and ten Sub-centres wil be taken up under Pradhan Mantri
Gramodaya Yojana (PMGY).
(7) Public Works Department:
During 2001-2002, the Department has completed construction of 170
feet Bailey Bridge over River Tiau on the Indo-Myanmar borer. Construction
of Lengpui Airport Terminal buildings, Finance Secretariat, Lamglei
DC complex Phase-II were completed. 79 running metres of Retaining
Wall and 26 culverts were also completed under Urban Development Scheme.
Site preparation of Raj Bhavan Complex and Secretariat building were
completed under New Capital Project at Khatla under Eleventh Finance
Commission award.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to start execution of Mizoram State Roads Project
through World Bank assistance, a measure of 184 kilometres of roads
will be improved and 520 kilometres of roads will be maintained under
the project. It is proposed to complete 25 per cent of construction
works of Raj Bhavan and new Secretariat building under New Capital
Project at Khatla.
It is also proposed to
continue construction of Aizawl-Reiek-West Lungdar road and Rawpuichhip-Buarpui
road under financial assistance from NABARD. Under State Capital project,
the Department expects to complete construction of Soil & Water
Conservation building, Chief Minister’s Secretariat and Assembly Annexe
building. Besides, the Deparmtent will also undertake construction
of various buildings such as new Mizoram House, New Delhi, Lunglei
DC complex Phase-III, Millennium Trade Centre at Aizawl, Taxation
building at Vairengte.
(8) Food & Civil
Supplies Department: During 2001-2002, the Department has appointed
one new Liquefied Petroleum Gas agent and also extended distribution
points to 10 villages. A site for Liquefied Petroleum Gas Bottling
Plant has been selected at Mualkhang.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to take up works for setting up of Liquefied Petroleum
Gas Bottling Plant at Mualkhang.
(9) Social Welfare
Department: During 2001-2002, the Department has taken up various
schemes for upliftment of women and children, handicapped and old
aged persons and strengthening of voluntary organisations. The Department
has given assistance to 1780 physically and mentally challenged persons.
A State Council for Child Welfare was constituted. Assistance was
also given to 10525 old aged persons and 1505 groups of voluntary
organisations. A Protective Home and Reception Centre were established
under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1980. There were as many
as 72244 beneficiaries of the Special Nutrition Programme provided
under Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (PMGY)
(10) Soil and Water
Conservation Department: During the year, the Department continued
their works towards permanent settlement of jhuming families by giving
financial assistance to 700 families for Coffee and large Cardamom
plantations.
It is envisaged to cover
an additional area of 700 hectares for Coffee and Cardamom Plantations
during 2002-2003. Emphasis will also be given to bush terracing on
the hill sides and drainage line treatment consisting of water harvesting
dams, gully plugging and stream bank erosion control.
(11) Transport Department:
Under Road Transport, compensation was awarded to 7 accident victims.
Various stations and offices of the Department were improved and constructed
at different places in the State. Under Motor Vehicle Wing, construction
of District Transport Officer’s offices at Lunglei and Kolasib have
been completed. Various check-gates have been constructed and improved.
Construction of District Transport Officer’s quarters at Saiha is
in progress.
During 2002-2003, improvement
and construction of several Mizoram State Transport stations, Directorate
building, Depot-cum-Workshop at Chaltlang and Central Workshop at
South Hlimen are proposed. Acquisition of 8 numbers of Buses is also
envisaged for replacement of some over-aged buses.
(12) Tourism Department:
During 2001-2002, the Deparmtent concentrated on construction of Tourist
infrastructures for accommodation, Wayside Amenities and Recreation.
Construction of four Tourist Lodges and 14 Tourist Cottages were completed.
The Department will participate at the Tourism and Travel Fair at
Chennai and Bangalore as well as Internationale Tourismuss Bourse
(ITB) Berlin during the current year with a view to marketing and
selling the products of Mizoram in the national and international
level.
During 2002-2003, the
Department will take up construction of a typical Mizo Village at
Reiek and a Viewing Gallery at Berawtlang. Water sports equipments
will be installed at Rungdil and Palak lake.
(13) Local Administration
Department: During 2001-2002, the Department constructed 718.28
metres of R.C.C. pedestrian pavements at Aizawl and other towns. A
Composite Cash Loan was given to 2346 Government employees of various
categories as House Building Advance and Public Housing Loan to 636
families. 500 families were given cash assistance in various districts
under Urban Poverty Alleviation Scheme.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to give construction assistance to 400 families
both in rural and urban areas. Construction of approach road to garbage
dumping grounds at Sakawrhmuituai is also envisaged. 700 kilometres
of RCC pedestrian pavements will be constructed during the year under
Eleventh Finance Commission award.
(14) Trade and Commerce
Department: During 2001-2002, the District Marketing office at
Lunglei started functioning under the Department. The Department has
also taken steps for developing Indo-Myanmar Border Trade.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to establish 4 Wholesale Markets, 18 Rural Primary
Markets and 2 Grading Laboratories at various villages under Mini-Mission
Technology. It is also proposed to take up exchange of Trade Delegations
with South East Asian countries.
(15) Higher &
Technical Education Department: During 2001-2002, Computer Science
Engineering courses were introduced in Mizoram Polytechnic, Lunglei,
Garment Technology was also introduced in Women Polytechnic, Aizawl.
A World Bank assisted
project namely "Third Technician Education Project" with
a total project cost of Rs 35 crore was initiated and so far Rs 5.30
crore has been utilised during 2001-2002. Construction works of Higher
and Technical Education Directorate building, Women Polytechnic building
at Aizawl and Mizoram Polytechnic building at Lunglei are being taken
up under this project.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to establish an Engineering College at Aizawl,
where Electronic and Communication, Computer Science and Engineering
and Civil Engineering courses will be introduced at the initial stage.
Construction of Boys’ Hostel at Shillong and Government College buildings
at Saiha and Kolasib will be started during 2002-2003. Construction
of Mizoram Hindi Training College and College of Teachers’ Education
buildings under Centrally Sponsored Schemes will be completed.
(16) School Education
Department: During 2001-2002, the Department imparted training
to 60 Primary School Teachers and 67 Middle school Teachers in the
District Teachers and 67 Middle school Teachers in the District Institute
of Educational Training at Aizawl and Lunglei. Four new Primary Schools
were opened and three District Centres for English (DCE) were introduced
at Lunglei, Kolasib and Serchhip. A new scheme called Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyan (SSA) has been introduced in Mizoram and a sum of Rs 100.25
lakh has been received from Government of India during this year.
(17) Animal Husbandry
& Veterinary Department: During 2001-2002, the office of the
Joint Director, Lunglei Phase II, Veterinary dispensaries at four
villages, District Veterinary office building at Saiha, three Rural
Animal Health Centres and General Manager’s quarters at Tanhril were
constructed. A Diary Plant with a capacity of 5000 litres per day
was commissioned at Lunglei and another Plant at Kolasib is in progress.
Three Rural Animal Health Centres were also completed under Border
Area Development Programme. 400 Biogas Plants are being installed
for farmers at various places. The Regulation of Mizoram Animal Movement
Act was implemented during this year.
During 2002-2003, the
Department will take up the construction of Animal Husbandry &
Veterinary offices at Lawngtlai and Mamit, Veterinary Dispensary at
Zawlnuam, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon’s quarters at Turipang and
four Rural Animal Health Centres at selected places. Provisions have
also been made for chick subsidy, breeding Boar and assistance to
farmers and cattle rearing families. Animal slaughter houses will
also be established at different places during 2002-2003.
(18) Rural Development
Department: The Department has assisted 3247 families under Rural
Housing, 423 rural poor families for construction of new houses and
191 families for upgrading their houses under Indira Awaas Yojana
(IAY) scheme. Under Border Area Development Programme, various development
works such as construction of roads, community halls, drinking water
supply, playgrounds etc. in different places have been taken up for
which Rs 13.32 crore have been received from the Government of India.
The Department also generated 3.336 lakh and 1.723 lakh mandays under
Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS) and Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana
(JGSY) respectively. 285 groups have also been formed under Swarnjayanti
Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) within Mizoram. Under Roof Top Rain Water
Harvesting Scheme as many as 34 villages are expected to be covered.
The existing Rural Employment Schemes of EAS and SGSY have been merged
into one scheme known as "Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana"
(SGRY) which is implemented in the State.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to implement "Mizoram Intodelh-na Project"
(MIP) for which Rs 20 crore has been earmarked.
(19) Fisheries Department:
The Department procured 112.66 lakh fish seeds for distribution to
private pisciculturists at 50% subsidized rate and stocking in the
major rivers of the State as well as Departmental farms. Around 300
farmers have been given training in fish culture technology under
the Fish Farmers Development Agency Scheme.
(20) Police Department:
During 2001-2002 several staff quarters and barracks were constructed.
The Department will also receive 123 vehicles of various types and
a large number of communication equipments from the Central Government
under Special Central Assistance Scheme. Comparative crime figures
for the years 2000 and 2001 show a decline in overall crime under
IPC and Local and Special Laws.
Consequent upon the opening
of a Forensic Science Laboratory at Aizawl, the Department plans to
take steps for strengthening the laboratory by opening of three more
divisions namely Physics and Ballistics, question documents and Biological
Science divisions during 2002-2003. All out efforts will be made to
continue the ongoing projects to strengthen and modernize the State
Police Force.
(21) Printing and
Stationery Department: During 2001-2002, the Department, in an
endeavour to modernize the Government Press at Aizawl, procured one
offset Press of PO-36, Mini Offset Press and one Computer. During
2002-2003, it is proposed to repair and renovate various departmental
buildings at Aizawl, Lunglei and Saiha. Computerization of all Government
Presses and impartation of training in Desk Top publishing to existing
staff is amongst the agenda of the Department.
(22) Environment and
Forest Department: During 2001-2002, the major schemes implemented
by the Department had been Bamboo Development Project under which
as many as 203 farmers were assisted for raising plantations of superior
quality bamboo besides establishment of Central Bamboo – setum. Another
programme pursued was the development of a new Zoological Park near
Aizawl. Afforestation of denuded areas is also another important programme
of the Department.
During 2002-2003, the
Department intends to lay major emphasis on the same projects of Bamboo
Development, Wildlife preservation and afforestation.
(23) Sericulture Department:
During 2001-2002, two Sericulture District offices were opened at
Serchhip and Champhai. A Central grainage with a capacity to produce
30000 seeds at a time is presently under construction and a Pre-Fabricated
cold storage with a capacity to preserve 1.00 lakh seeds at a time
was installed at the Directorate building.
For the year 2002-2003,
some of the projects proposed to be undertaken are Eri and Muga Silk
Development, Bivoltine Silk Development in Mizoram and special schemes
for the three District Councils.
(24) Economic and
Statistics Department: During 2001-2002, the Department conducted
surveys on various sections like Agriculture, Industries, Floriculture
and Personal Service. Training of statistical personnel was also conducted
to enhance the efficiency of the Department.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to conduct surveys on State Income Estimation,
Public Finance, Socio-Economic Survey, Price Statistics, Industrial
Statistics and Statistical Memoire and Gazetteers. Agriculture still
being the backbone of the economy of Mizoram, the Department proposes
to compile, maintain and generate statistical data from the grass
root level on agriculture and its allied activities.
(25) Law & Judicial
Department: During 2001-2002, construction of District Court building
at Aizawl, construction of Residential quarters for Judicial Officers
at Lunglei and Saiha were taken up. Internal wiring of 3 residential
quarters at Gauhati High Court Aizawl Bench and installation of Air
Conditioners in the Hon’ble Judge’s Chamber and Advocate General’s
room were completed.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to complete construction of District Court buildings
at Aizawl and Saiha. It is also proposed to install Information Technology
facilities in various Courts across the State.
(26) Information and
Public Relations Department: During 2001-2002, the Department
published 30,000 copies per issue of a Quarterly Magazine entitled
"Zoram Thlirna", a fortnightly bulletin "Kaladan"
was also published from Saiha. Bharat Darshan Tour to visit various
places across the country was conducted twice during the year. A workshop
on "Basic Course in Communication Skill and Effective Public
Relations" was organised at Aizawl in collaboration with Indian
Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). 98 Radios and 13 Television
sets were installed in Border areas under Border Area Development
Programme.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to undertake reconstruction of the Directorate
building, construction of Officers’ quarters at Champhai and Mamit
and District office at Serchhip. Installation of Community Radios
and Televisions in rural areas will also be continued.
(27) Labour and Employment
Department: Under this Department’s Labour Wing, three Labour
Rules were prepared and implemented during 2001-2002. During 2002-2003,
the Department proposes to open two District Employment Exchange offices
at Kolasib and Lawngtlai. Computerization of District Employment Exchange
at Lunglei is also in the pipe line. Two Industrial Training Institutes
are proposed to be opened at Lunglei and Saiha under Prime Minister’s
Economic package. Industrial Training Institute at Aizawl will also
be augmented by opening various new trades.
(28) Prisons Department:
During 2001-2002, the Department completed construction of staff quarters
at the Central Jail, Aizawl and District Jails, Aizawl, Lunglei, Kolasib
and Champhai. Improvement of internal roads at Central Jail complex
and approach road to Sub-Jail, Tlabung was also successfully completed.
Water Supply to inmates at District Jail, Champhai was also taken
up and completed.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to set up three Workshops at selected Jails to
undertake vocational training for female and male prisoners. Priority
will also be given to construction of water supply system for the
inmates at Central Jail, Aizawl and District Jail, Champhai.
(29) Administrative
Training Institute: During the current year, 28 Training courses
were conducted for 647 participants of which 269 were Gazetted Officers
and 378 were Non-Gazetted employees.
During 2002-2003, the
Institute proposes to conduct 30 training courses in different disciplines
including computer training courses. It is also proposed to establish
two separate cells to impart training on (i) Management of natural
and man-made disasters (ii) Computer training classes for which Government
of India has released Rs 12.00 lakh for purchase of Computers and
its accessories.
(30) Land Revenue
& Settlement Department: During 2001-2002, summary survey
and record operations in 18 Rural Development blocks was undertaken.
Cadastral survey operations were also continued and completed in select
notified towns. House sites were also planned in various station areas.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to prepare land records of all villages covered
by the summary survey and record operations undertaken during 2001-2002.
After completion of the work, it is expected to receive annual Land
Revenue to the tune of Rs 5.00 to Rs 10.00 crore. Photogrammetric
works of aerial photographs covering 2000 square kilometres in Aizawl
District is expected to be completed. The Department also proposes
to plan and distribute 2000 house sites to deserving families. Construction
of Record Rooms at the District Headquarters of Mamit, Serchhip and
Champhai districts will also be undertaken.
(31) Cooperation Department:
During 2001-2002, Junior Cooperative Training Centre at Luangmual
is in the process of completion. To augment skills management, Mizoram
State Cooperative Union, Lunglei District Cooperative Union and Chhimtuipui
District Cooperative Union have been organised.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to avail Rs 1.00 crore each for the next three
consecutive years as managerial subsidy for the Mizoram Cooperative
Apex Bank as a means to introduce a package like Voluntary Retirement
Scheme for infusion of Young blood and competent personnel in the
Bank. It is also proposed to attempt to recapitalise the Mizoram Urban
Cooperative Bank Limited to the tune of Rs 1.00 crore during 2002-2003.
(32) Sports &
Youths Services Department: During 2001-2002, the Department started
construction of District Sports and Youth office at Lunglei. Several
Mizo Youth participated in and bagged a number of medals in various
National and International Sport events in different disciplines.
During 2002-2003, the
Department proposes to set up more District offices at various District
Headquarters and continue its programme of constructing more playgrounds
and indoor stadium’s
(33) Autonomous District
Councils: During 2001-2002, some of the important achievements
of the three District Councils are construction of 23 kilometres of
Link Roads, construction of 128 Rain Water Harvesting Tanks, construction
of Market Shed, School building and quarters including maintenance
of existing Council Roads and Internal Village Paths. Construction
of Lai Autonomous District Council Session Hall at Lawngtlai and Chakma
Autonomous District Council Rest House at Kamalanagar are also underway.
(34) Taxation Department:
During 2001-2002, the Department’s revenue collection upto January,
2002 was Rs 1306.86 lakh against a target of Rs 1035.00 lakh for the
year. As a means of Additional Resource Mobilisation, a few more selected
notified goods were made taxable effective from 1st July,
2001, with this new measure it is expected to collect additional revenue
to the tune of Rs 180.00 lakh.
During 2002-2003, the
Department will take steps for timely implementation and introduction
of Value Added Tax in Mizoram.
(35) Excise Department:
During 2002-2002, the Department excelled itself in the fight to control
the Drug menace prevailing in the State by keeping a strict vigil
over the entire State including the Indo Myanmar Border. As a result
of this, 702 Drug traffickers and abusers were apprehended and a huge
quantity of intoxicating drugs seized. 2936 persons were also arrested
for violation of the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act.
(36) Finance Department:
During 2001-2002, the Accounts & Treasuries Department finalised
883 fresh cases and 1786 revision cases of pension/family pensions,
audit had been conducted in respect of 30 different accounts. The
Institutional Finance and Small Savings has so far collected Rs 6.73
crore. It is also expected to generate an income of Rs 5 crore from
the State Lotteries.
14. Before I conclude
my speech, I am confident that all the honourable Members will share
with me that the State of Mizoram is the Most peaceful State in the
country and has often been referred to as an "Island of Peace".
Keeping in mind the sacrifices and struggle made to achieve this end,
I appeal to all the honourable Members to do their utmost in preserving
and maintaining this hard earned peace. It should be our continued
endeavour to take advantage of this era of be our continued endeavour
to take advantage of this era of peace to accelerate the peace of
development in the State. Toward this end, it is the need of the hour
to strive relentlessly to generate more resources within our State
and to instill a sense of ownership in the minds of the people to
ensure their active participation and contribution towards the welfare
and development of the State. I am convinced that with your continued
support and cooperation a new light of development will dawn on the
people of Mizoram.
15. I would like to thank
all the honourable Members of this august House for giving me a patient
hearing. With these words I commend the Supplementary Demand for 2001-2002,
Vote on Account for three months from April to June, 2002 for consideration
and approval of the House.
Thank you.
