Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma emphasized that Mizoram has become a key beneficiary of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the Northeast. These projects have been instrumental in supporting infrastructure development and socio-economic progress in the state. Lalduhoma mentioned various initiatives backed by international partners, such as the Aizawl-Thenzawl–Lunglei Road funded by the World Bank and road development projects supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), including the Mizoram State Roads II Project aimed at enhancing connectivity in border areas.
The Chief Minister spoke at a seminar on “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North Eastern States” organized by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Union Ministry of Finance in Shillong. The event, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, aimed to enhance the Northeastern states’ capacity in implementing EAPs and promote the exchange of experiences and best practices among them. It also focused on reviewing past projects and exploring strategies for more effective initiatives in the region.
Lalduhoma highlighted the crucial role of EAPs in Mizoram’s development, noting that these projects not only offer financial aid but also bring valuable technical expertise. He emphasized the positive impact of 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 boosted rural livelihoods, benefiting approximately 55,000 households and increasing their income by about 43%.
The Chief Minister also underscored advancements in the health sector, mentioning the World Bank-assisted Health System Strengthening Project that helped 62 government health facilities and hospitals in Mizoram achieve National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification. He further highlighted projects like the construction of the Super Speciality Cancer Centre with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the implementation of the Universal Health Care Scheme supported by ADB funding. Lalduhoma stressed the importance of EAPs in creating quality infrastructure and driving development, calling for increased access to such projects in Mizoram.
During the seminar’s inaugural session, DEA Secretary Anuradha Thakur delivered the welcome address, while Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave the keynote speech. The session also featured addresses by Johannes Zutt, Vice President, South Asia Region, World Bank Group, and the Chief Ministers of the Northeastern states.
