Aizawl: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who addressed an election rally here on Saturday, promised improved New Land Use Policy (NLUP), the state Congress government’s flagship scheme, if his party is voted back to power.
‘Exactly five years ago, I was here for the same purpose, requesting you to repose your trust in the Congress, Now, you can see the results in the last five years,’ he told the gathering at 3rd Bn Mizoram Armed Police parade ground here.
“Five years ago, I had said we would implement the NLUP which had been discontinued by the MNF government. I am happy that the scheme has been implemented by the Congress government under the leadership of Lal Thanhawla,” he said.
The land use policy, the Prime Minister said, has brought about positive changes in agriculture and livelihood, boosting the state’s GDP and making Mizoram one of the fastest growing states in the country.
“Number indicators show that Mizoram has achieved growth higher than the national average,” he said.
He said he received some suggestions from the state government to improve the NLUP. “We will continue this scheme. The UPA government led by Sonia Gandhi will provide all possible assistance for the improvement,” he added.
The PM promised a new housing scheme for the rural poor. “I know there is an acute housing problem in the rural areas. We will launch a new rural housing scheme to address this serious problem.”
The Silchar-Lumding Broad Gauge project, East-West corridor project which will be completed by 2015 and the Kaladan multi modal transit transport project that will connect the Kolkata seaport with Sittwe port in Myanmar by sea, will immensely benefit the Northeast India including Mizoram.
The Prime Minister also promised railway connectivity up to Aizawl, improved healthcare, education and completion of ongoing hydel projects.
After addressing the rally for about half an hour, the Prime Minister flew back to New Delhi.
Besides the Prime Minister, Congress stalwarts Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are expected to campaign for the Congress party for the November 25 assembly polls.
While Sonia will be addressing a public rally at Lunglei in southern Mizoram on November 18, Rahul will address a rally at Kolasib town near the Assam border and also at Champhai town near Myanmar border on November 21. (UNI)