Mizoram budget for 2019-20: CM Zoramthanga emphasises on implementation of Socio-Economic Development Policy

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga today presented the Rs 10,692.30 crore tax-free budget for 2019-20 in the state Assembly, emphasising the implementation of Socio-Economic Development Policy (SEDP). The Chief Minister told the house, in the vernacular Mizo language, that Rs 750 crore has been allocated for execution of the state`s flagship scheme -- Socio-Economic Development Policy (SEDP), adding "We would soon submit a detailed project report to the Union government to avail financial assistance from the Centre to expedite the SEDP." 

Zoramthang said, "Rs 50 crore was allocated as a health care corpus fund for implementation of improved health care scheme as formulated by the erstwhile MNF government (2003-2008). Rs 30 crore was proposed in the budget for recruitment of teachers for the elementary education to overcome the shortages of teachers." 

The CM told the house that the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) was projected to be Rs 25,869.14 crore at current price at a growth rate of 16.15 per cent, while adding that the total liabilities (debt) of the state were estimated at Rs 8,447.92 crore which is 32.66 per cent of the projected GSDP.

Zoramthanga, who also holds the finance portfolio, announced the creation of three new districts -- Hnahthial, Khawzawl and Saitual- taking the total number of districts in the state to 11.

Later talking to the media in Aizawl, Zoramthanga said the state government`s targets would be privatisation, modernisation and improvement of production to boost the economy of the state.

Defeating the Congress in the November 28 state polls to the 40-member Assembly, the Mizo National Front (MNF) government, headed by Chief Minister Zoramthanga, returned to the power in the state for the third time in December 2018. 

(With IANS Inputs)