Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has called for an increase in the ceiling for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) available to northeastern states, saying greater access to such funding would help accelerate infrastructure development and improve public services across the region.The Chief Minister made the appeal while addressing a seminar and workshop on “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects in the North Eastern States,” organised by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, in Shillong on Friday. The inaugural session of the seminar was chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and attended by chief ministers from all northeastern states, senior officials from the region and representatives of the Government of India. The programme focused on strengthening the capacity of northeastern states to implement externally aided projects and promoting the sharing of experiences and best practices.Addressing the gathering, Lalduhoma highlighted the significant contribution of externally aided projects to Mizoram’s development over the years. He said such projects not only provide financial resources but also bring technical expertise and international experience that help improve project planning and implementation.
The Chief Minister noted that Mizoram has emerged as one of the leading states in the Northeast in securing externally aided funding. He cited several major projects that have benefited from support from international development agencies and financial institutions.Among the key initiatives highlighted were the Aizawl–Thenzawl–Lunglei Road project funded by the World Bank and several road infrastructure projects supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), including the Mizoram State Roads II Project aimed at strengthening connectivity in border regions.Lalduhoma also pointed to externally funded projects in urban infrastructure development, water supply improvement and public resource management. In the agriculture sector, he said the IFAD-supported FOCUS project has transformed rural livelihoods by benefiting around 55,000 households. According to him, the project has helped increase household incomes by nearly 43 per cent while also contributing to environmental conservation.Highlighting achievements in the healthcare sector, the Chief Minister said the World Bank-assisted Health System Strengthening Project has enabled 62 government hospitals and health facilities in Mizoram to secure National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification. He noted that before the project was implemented, the state did not have a single NQAS-certified health facility.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the ongoing construction of the Super Speciality Cancer Centre with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the implementation of the Universal Health Care Scheme backed by ADB funding, and the revival of the 24 MW Tuirini Hydroelectric Project with assistance from the New Development Bank (NDB).He said these projects demonstrate how externally aided funding can support the creation of quality infrastructure, improve public services and contribute to long-term economic growth.Stressing the importance of continued investment in the Northeast, Lalduhoma urged the Centre to provide greater access to EAP funding and enhance the borrowing ceiling for northeastern states. He said increased financial support would enable states in the region to undertake more development initiatives and address critical infrastructure gaps.
