By NE NOW NEWS
Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday urged the Centre to enhance the ceiling for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) available to Northeastern states to accelerate infrastructure development and socio-economic growth across the region, an official statement said.
Addressing a seminar-cum-workshop on “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North Eastern States” in Shillong, Lalduhoma highlighted Mizoram’s success in utilising externally funded projects and underscored their transformative impact on the state’s development.
The event, organised by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance, was inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and attended by chief ministers of all Northeastern states, senior government officials, and representatives of international development agencies.
In his address, Lalduhoma said EAPs not only provide financial assistance but also bring valuable technical expertise, as specialists from partner institutions study local challenges and share their knowledge and experience to improve project implementation.
He said Mizoram is among the leading states in the Northeast in accessing EAP funding.
He also outlined several major projects, including the Aizawl–Thenzawl–Lunglei road project funded by international development partners.
The Chief Minister further outlined externally funded interventions in urban infrastructure, water supply, agriculture, healthcare, and energy.
He noted that the FOCUS project, supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, has improved the livelihoods of around 55,000 rural households, increasing incomes by approximately 43 percent while promoting environmental conservation.
In the healthcare sector, Lalduhoma said the World Bank-assisted Health System Strengthening Project enabled 62 government health facilities and hospitals in Mizoram to secure National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification.
He pointed out that the state had no NQAS-certified facilities before the project’s implementation.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the ongoing construction of a super speciality cancer centre with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the implementation of a 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.
Emphasising the importance of EAPs in creating quality infrastructure and accelerating economic growth, Lalduhoma said Mizoram requires greater access to such projects and called for increased funding limits for Northeastern states.
The seminar was organised to strengthen the capacity of Northeastern states in implementing externally aided projects, facilitate the sharing of best practices, and explore ways to design more effective development initiatives for the region, the official statement added.