Aizawl: The North Eastern Council (NEC) released more than Rs 20.17 crore during May and June to support infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and connectivity projects in Mizoram, along with funding for cultural and youth initiatives.According to an official statement, Rs 13.68 crore was released under the Schemes of NEC (SoNEC) and Rs 6.50 crore under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS-Roads).Key SoNEC-backed projects include construction of patient lodging and staff quarters near the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Shillong for patients from Mizoram, and establishment of a Central Medical Warehouse in Aizawl to strengthen healthcare logistics and availability of essential medicines.The NEC also sanctioned support for areca nut plantation development in Kolasib and Mamit districts, and for setting up a Fish Farmer Training Centre at Lengpui to promote scientific aquaculture and improve livelihood opportunities.Cultural and heritage-linked funding included construction of an auditorium at Bethel Veng in Champhai, development of a Cultural Heritage Centre at Kawlri, and support to the Aizawl Institute of Arts and Music.Other supported works include biotechnology infrastructure, afforestation in Champhai district, and programmes focused on women’s health and maternal care.Under NESIDS-Roads, the NEC released Rs 6.50 crore for upgradation of the 32.7-km Oil Palm Link Road connecting Kolasib, Mamit, Lunglei and Lawngtlai districts. The project is expected to benefit nearly 60,000 people in 19 villages by improving connectivity and easing access to markets, healthcare and education, while facilitating transportation of agricultural produce.Separately, the NEC released Rs 18.93 crore in the same period to universities, technical institutes, non-governmental organisations and other regional institutions across the Northeast for development activities. Some of this funding supported programmes held in Mizoram, including the Sikpui Ruoi Festival 2025, Mizoram Challenge 2025 and an anti-drug campaign implemented through the Foundation for Drug-Free Mizoram, focusing on substance abuse prevention, career guidance and youth empowerment.“These investments reaffirm NEC’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable development in Mizoram by strengthening infrastructure, healthcare, connectivity, agriculture, scientific research, environmental conservation and cultural development, thereby improving livelihoods and enhancing the quality of life across the state,” the official statement said.
