Aizawl, May 28, 2026: The North Eastern Council (NEC) has significantly expanded its developmental engagement in Mizoram during the 15th Finance Commission period (2022–26), with investments spanning healthcare, education, agriculture, connectivity, tourism, and livelihood sectors across the state.
 |
| The North Eastern Council (NEC) Secretariat in Shillong. (File Photo) |
According to an official press release issued on May 28, Mizoram received a cumulative expenditure of ₹339.06 crore under the Schemes of NEC (SoNEC) and NESIDS-Roads programmes during the period.
Out of the total expenditure, ₹123.83 crore was spent under the SoNEC programme on a wide range of developmental initiatives aimed at improving public infrastructure and socio-economic conditions in the state. The projects included development of medical and veterinary facilities, market infrastructure, educational institutions, sports infrastructure, cultural centres, and community development works.
The NEC also focused on strengthening agriculture and allied sectors through support for wet rice cultivation, potato seed production, piggery, poultry farming, fisheries, livestock development, arecanut cultivation, and passion fruit processing. These initiatives are expected to improve rural livelihoods and create sustainable income opportunities for farmers and local communities.
In the tourism and cultural sectors, the Council supported projects aimed at preserving and promoting Mizoram’s rich cultural and natural heritage. The initiatives included the establishment of cultural heritage centres, ecological parks, tourism circuits, and other infrastructure projects designed to boost eco-tourism and cultural tourism in the state.
Connectivity infrastructure also received major attention under the NESIDS-Roads programme. During the 15th Finance Commission period, six road projects worth ₹277.99 crore were implemented in Mizoram, out of which two projects valued at ₹25.19 crore have already been completed.
Among the major connectivity projects highlighted by the NEC is the upgradation of the Saiha-Lungbun-Tlangnuam-Haka Road. The project is expected to enhance connectivity between Mizoram’s southern districts and the Myanmar border, supporting the broader objectives of India’s Act East Policy and facilitating regional trade and mobility.
The NEC further expanded its youth and scientific outreach initiatives during 2025–26 through programmes such as the Ashtalakshmi Youth Exchange Programme and NE-SPARKS (North East Students’ Programme for Awareness, Reach and Knowledge on Space).
Under the Ashtalakshmi Youth Exchange Programme, 581 students from across the country visited premier institutions in the Northeast. Mizoram University hosted 44 students from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep in January 2026 as part of the initiative aimed at promoting national integration and cultural exchange.
Meanwhile, under the NE-SPARKS initiative, 99 students from Mizoram were among 786 students from Northeastern states who visited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) during 2025–26 to promote scientific awareness, innovation, and interest in space research among youth.
ALSO READ: All Mizoram Farmers’ Union Holds General Assembly, Farmers Hailed as Backbone of Mizoram
The NEC also released funds in April 2026 for several ongoing projects in Mizoram. These included livestock rearing support in the Sinlung Hills Council area, establishment of a State Veterinary Information and Resource Centre, construction of a market building at West Phaileng in Mamit district, and tourism development at Vangchhia in Champhai district under the initiative titled “Our Heritage, Our Treasure.”
Additionally, ₹20.09 crore was released under NESIDS-Roads during April 2026 for ongoing road infrastructure works, including the construction of the Pukzing–Silsury Road and Tualpui–Champhai Road in Mizoram.
The NEC stated that these projects reflect its continued commitment towards accelerating infrastructure growth, improving connectivity, enhancing livelihood opportunities, and supporting sustainable development across Mizoram and the wider Northeastern region.
