Shillong/Aizawl, June 19 (IANS) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday said the state has emerged as one of the leading beneficiaries of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the Northeast, effectively leveraging international funding to support infrastructure development and socio-economic growth.

Addressing a seminar on “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North Eastern States,” the Chief Minister cited several major initiatives supported by international development partners, including the Aizawl-Thenzawl–Lunglei Road funded by the World Bank and various road development projects supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), including the Mizoram State Roads II Project aimed at strengthening connectivity in border areas.

The seminar was organised by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Union Ministry of Finance in Shillong. The inaugural session was chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and attended by Chief Ministers from all Northeastern states, along with senior officials from the region and the Government of India.

The seminar aimed to strengthen the capacity of Northeastern states in implementing EAPs and to facilitate the sharing of experiences and best practices. It also reviewed projects implemented across different states over the years and explored ways to design more effective and impactful initiatives for the region’s benefit.

The Mizoram Chief Minister highlighted the significant role EAPs play in the state’s development. He said externally aided projects not only provide financial assistance but also bring valuable technical expertise, as specialists from partner institutions study local challenges and share their knowledge to improve implementation.

He further highlighted interventions in urban infrastructure, water supply improvement, and public resource management. In agriculture, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-supported FOCUS project has significantly improved rural livelihoods, benefiting around 55,000 households and increasing their income by approximately 43 per cent, while also contributing to environmental conservation.

In the health sector, Lalduhoma said the World Bank-assisted Health System Strengthening Project has enabled 62 government health facilities and hospitals in Mizoram to obtain National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification. Prior to the project, the state had no NQAS-certified health facility or hospital.

He also highlighted the ongoing construction of the Super Speciality Cancer Centre with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the implementation of the Universal Health Care Scheme supported by ADB funding, and the revival of the 24 MW Tuirini Hydroelectric Project with support from the New Development Bank (NDB) as part of the state’s efforts towards energy self-sufficiency.

Stressing the importance of EAPs in creating quality infrastructure and accelerating development, Lalduhoma said Mizoram requires access to more such projects. He appealed for an enhancement of the EAP ceiling available to Northeastern states to enable them to undertake a greater number of development initiatives.

During the inaugural session, DEA Secretary Anuradha Thakur delivered the welcome address, while Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered the keynote address. The session was also addressed by Johannes Zutt, Vice President, South Asia Region, World Bank Group, along with the Chief Ministers of the Northeastern states.

–IANS

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