NDA doubled fund allocation for projects in Mizoram: Amit Shah

GUWAHATI: Union home minister Amit Shah in his first visit to Mizoram since assuming office said that since the BJP-led government at the Centre has doubled the funds allocated for developmental projects in Mizoram than what the UPA governments had done.

Inaugurating the North East Handloom and Handicraft Exhibition organised by the North East Council (NEC) at Aizawl , Shah said, "While the UPA government had allocated over Rs 19,900 crore to Mizoram through the 13th Finance Commission, the Modi government has already allocated Rs 42,970 crore to the state through the 14th Finance Commission."

Shah, also the NEC chairman, assured chief minister Zoramthanga of working towards the development of the state. "If Mizoram, the most disturbed state in the country could become one of the most peaceful one, it can also become the most developed state in the country. We are committed to doing everything to help the beautiful state develop and prosper," Shah said, adding, "I want to assure the chief minister that PM Narendra Modi is keen to provide whatever help is required for Mizoram's development through the DONER ministry."

Shah added that the Centre plans to spend Rs 1,432 crore to build 1,700 kilometres of national highways in the state. He said around 23,000 people of Mizoram have been given LPG connections under Ujjwala scheme, while 35,000 families have been provided with toilets and 21,000 families got houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. "Our target is to provide electricity connection to 22,000 families. Till date, almost 6,000 families have already been covered," he added.