INDIAN STATE : MIZORAM

General Information

Mizoram State lies between 21°58' and 24°35' N Latitudes and 92°15' and 93° 29' E Longitudes. It is located in the Northeastern region of India, bordering Myanmar in the east and Bangladesh in the west. The state's topography is, by and large, mountainous with precipitous slopes forming deep gorges culminating into several streams and rivers. There are 15 major rivers in this state.

Fact File

Geographical Area	0.21 (lakh sq. km)
Capital	Aizawl
Population (2001 Census)	In lakhs 8.89
Percentage of State Population to All India Population	0.09
Literacy Rate (2001 Census) Male Female	88.80% 90.72% 86.75%
Principal languages	Mizo and English
Average height of hills	1000meters
Climate
During winter (varies between) During Summer (varies between)	20 °C and 29º C11ºC to 21º C

Advantage Mizoram

• Locational advantage
  
• High literacy rate
  
• Good connectivity
  
• Responsive government
  
• Good Institutional support
  
• Favorable policy environment

Economic Infrastructure

Power

At present, there are 22 (twenty two) isolated diesel power stations spread at various places and 9(nine) Mini/Micro Hydel stations in operation. The above total installed capacity of diesel Power Station is 26.14MW and Mini/Micro Hydel Station is 8.25MW. As per 16th Electric Power Survey of India under Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Government of India, the restricted peak load demand of the State during the year 2002-2003 is 102 MW. Against this, an effective capacity of about 16MW from Diesel Power Stations and 6MW from Hydel Stations is available from local generation at present.

Importing energy from center, generating stations and Mizoram share of 8MW from Rokhia-II in Tripura through the North Eastern Grid looked after by the Power Grid mostly makes up the requirement of power. In all, total availability of imported power rarely exceed 45 MW during peak hour.

Demand estimate

The power demand estimates for Mizoram adopted by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in its fourth National Plan 1997-2012 are based on the estimates made by the 16th Electric Power Survey of India under CEA, Government of India, and are given below:

Peak Load Requirement

Year	MW
2002-03	102
2006-07	267

Potential power options

Grid Power is considered to be a cheap source of energy and, therefore the strategic advantages of grid-based power are now being taken into account. Because of its advantages and its cheaper rates, grid-based power is now available and Government of Mizoram endeavours to push for an improvement in the transmission mechanism of power, and even more power from the grid. The government also endeavours to augment and improve the transmission systems so as to improve the reliability and availability of power supplies, making Mizoram an investment friendly state.

Being a hilly terrain, steep, and separated by rivers flowing either to the north or to the south, creating deep gorges between the hill ranges, Mizoram has a great potential for small and seasonal small hydro project. Small hydel plants have advantage of modest front-end costs and benefits that are not far off in time. The state government has already cleared 11 projects sites for these projects which are expected to be implemented in the near future. Further, the Ministry of Renewable Energy is offering a subsidy of 50% on the project cost in case of small hydel plant up to 3 MW of capacity.

Solar Energy is another potential areas for investment in Mizoram. About 58 villages are electrified by solar energy in Mizoram and with constant efforts of International energy and environmental devilment agencies solar energy is expected to grow fast.

Thermal power plant is one source in which the state government is actively considering to invest in order to relieve the most urgent short-term need and also to meet the peak demand.

In order to raise the efficiency of the power sector, it is considered to build furnace oil based power plant as part of a multi-pronged package of Industry promotion. This plant is expected to increase energy efficiency and PLF, and also to reduce transmission and distribution losses.

Incentives by the state government:

1. Exemption from Electricity Duty: Consumption of electricity generated by eligible producers for its captive use or upon sale to a nominated third party will be exempted from electricity duty.
2. Grant of incentives available to industries: Eligible producers generating electricity from Non-Conventional Energy Sources will be treated an eligible industry under the schemes administered by Industry Department and incentives available to "eligible producers" for establishing such power generation plants. Similarly concession given to the industrial unit in the backward areas will also be provided to such eligible producers. Infrastructural facilities such as approach road, water supply, power during construction period, etc. will be provided on the lines of provisions for such facilities to other industrial units.
3. The State Government will endeavor to extend all incentives and facilities granted by the Central Government for similar undertaking in other States.
   
4. Sales Tax Exemption: - Renewable Energy equipment and materials shall be exempted from State sales tax.
   

Aviation

Aizawl, the capital town of the State is air linked by Alliance Air Service everyday.Nearest airport is Lengpui, Aizawl. Aizawl is connected to Kolkata, (1 hr 45 min), Guwahati (40 min) and Imphal (30 min). There is a flight from Lengpui airport everyday.

Railways

Train link to the State has been established at Bairabi, a few kilometers away from Kolasib. Nearest railhead Silchar in Assam (184 km away).

Roads

National Highway (NH)-54 connects Aizawl with the rest of the country through Silchar. Buses and taxis are available from Silchar to Aizawl (6-8 hrs). Night services are also available. Aizawl is also accessible by road from Shillong and Guwahati.

Social Infrastructure

Health

Recognised hospitals of Mizoram are:

• P.C. Synod Hospital, Durtlang.
• Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, Kanan, Aizawl
• Christian Hospital, Serkawn
• Greenwood Hospital, Bawngkawn, Aizawl
  

Number Of Health Institutions In District Wise:

Sl No.	Institution	Aizawl	Serchhip	Champhai	Lunglei	Lawngtlai	Saiha	Mamit	Kolasib	Total
1	General Hospital	2	1	1	2		1			7
2	Community Health Centre	2	1	2	1	2	2	2	1	57
3	Primary Health Centre	9	5	12	9	2	7	8	5	57
4	Main Centre	14	7	14	12	5	8	11	7	78
5	Sub-Centre	76	28	56	68	27	33	35	28	351
	Total	103	42	85	92	36	50	56	42	498

Education

Mizoram state has a literacy percentage of 88.49. Mizoram has done very well in the field of education, achieving the 2nd highest literacy rate in the country. At present, under the jurisdiction of Higher & Technical Education, there are as many as 8 (eight) Govt. Colleges, 12 (twelve) Deficit Colleges, 5 (five) Private Colleges including 1 (one) Law College and 2 (two) Open University Colleges.There are two Teacher Training Colleges and one of which is of Mizoram Hindi Training College. Altogether, there are 27 Collegiate Institutions under this Department. Also, there are 2 (two) Polytechnics Institutes viz Mizoram Polytechnic, Lunglei, which imparts a 3 (three) years Diploma Course in Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering recognized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for such courses, and Women polytechnic, Durtlang, Aizawl, which is established with the approval of All India Council for Technical Education since 1998. This Institute has building of its own and imparts Courses like Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering, Modern Office Practice, BCC and Garment Technology etc.

Initiatives in Education sector

• Awareness campaign involving teachers and students organized.
• Computers being introduced in the Directorate and other education establishments like DIET, SCERT, District Offices, District Divisional and sub-Divisional offices of the Education Department.
• In order to upgrade the standards and to facilitate the functioning of Higher & Technical Education in Mizoram, various schemes has been taken such as upgradation of colleges as per UGC norms in staffing pattern, upgrading of private colleges into deficit grants-in-aid and provincialisation.
• To maintain uniformity of standards among the colleges, financial assistance in the form of re-curring and non-recurring grants are given to Colleges. Financial assistance is also available to the students for specific purposes, etc. It has also established and looked after collegiate hostels in various places in and outside the state.

Major Industries

Bamboo

Mizoram, with an area of 21,090 sq. Km. has an abundant reserve of Bamboo forest covering 12,54,400 ha, contributing to 14% of All India Bamboo Distribution. Bamboo is distributed thoroughly between 400-1520 m altitude. Melocanna baccifera (Mautak) is the major component of bamboo in Mizoram. The total bamboo yield works out to be 32,37,689 MT/Year.

A total of 20 species of bamboo have been recorded in the forest of Mizoram. Out of these species, Melocanna baccifera is the predominant and occupies 95% of the bamboo-afforested land in the state. It is often distributed in tropical and subtropical riverine reserves and valleys and grows profusely in the drainage areas of the Tlawng, Tut, Teirei, Lang-kaih and Barak rivers in west Aizawl. It is a very versatile species, the culms grow to 20 metres tall and are strong and durable with slender fibres and inconspicuous nodes which renders them ideal for house building, weaving, pulping and the production of small softwood products such as incense sticks, chopsticks and toothpicks. The shoots can also be eaten, and are of high quality.

Bamboo for sustainable development:

Bamboo in agriculture: Bamboo pipes are used to irrigate vast tracts of agricultural land in different agro-ecological settings. More than a million bamboo pumps are in current use. Bamboo is also used in making dams, dikes, sluice gates, farm implements, props, stakes, floats fish trap, silk cocoon trays, chicken coops, windbreak barriers and several other articles.

Bamboo in construction: Bamboo houses are traditional in many countries and shelter 1000 people. It is used for pillars, post, stilts, rafters, roofing, flooring, walling, scaffolding and a host of other purposes. Bamboo's mechanical properties also make it an ideal material for earthquake resistant and emergency housing.

Bamboo in handicrafts: Bamboo's natural elegance and easy workability make it a choice material for handicrafts. The Chinese manufacture more than 8000 bamboo and rattan items. From buttons to baskets, from lamps to lacquer ware, from mats to musical instruments from toys to walking sticks, bamboo can make it all.

Bamboo in transportation: Bamboo cullms float in water as they are lightweight and the inteodes are filled with air. This property has been put to use for thousand of years in making rafts, junks and boats, and their masts sail and outriggers. Bamboo is also used in making wagon floor, carts and their hoods, and suspension bridges.

Bamboo in micro enterprises: Micro enterprises make extensive use of bamboo in furniture, handmade paper, handlooms, curtains and blinds, toothpicks, chopsticks, incense sticks and various other products. The incense stick industry in India has over 3800 production units that generate nearly US $ 400 million from domestic and export markets.

Bamboo in industry: Bamboo is an ideal raw material for many industries. The bamboo shoots industry in China earns US $ 130 million per year from exports. About half of India's bamboo consumption is for making paper pulp. Other major uses of bamboo are in the production of rayon, activated charcoal and flooring and paneling products

Tree Volume In cub.m/ha	Bamboo (No./ha)	Clump Non-Clump
34	68	3397
Bamboo Resources - 16545,48 (000 tones) Bamboo consumption - 56,06,000 clumps (14,020 tones) Surplus - 3,09,690 tones

Per capita consumption of Bamboo is 4.41 nos. in rural area and 1.81 nos. in urban area.

• Number of bamboo species recorded in Mizoram = 21
• Melocana baccifera (Mautak) constitute about 95% of the total stock.

Availability of bamboo species in Mizoram and their uses:

There are 20 bamboo species available in Mizoram out of which the following are some of the list of Bamboo species with their uses:

Group/Species	Local Name	Uses
Bambusa tulda Roxb	Rawthing	Wrapping, writing & printing paper, RCC construction, enable
Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro	Rwpui	Paper pulp, building construction, crafting edible
D. hamiltonii Nees & Arn	Phulrua	Paper, RCC slabs & poles, basket, mat, furniture, edible
D. longispathus Kurz	Rawnal	Paper, building construction, good quality tooth picks
D. sikkimensis Gamblek	Rawmi	Pulp & paper, posts fencing, edible
D. strictus (Roxb) Nees	Tursing	Paper, construction purposes, furniture
Melocanna baccifera	Mautak	Paper, pulp construction purposes, fencing, edible
Chimonobambusa callosa (Munro) Nakai	Phar	Ornamental, hedges
Schizostachyum dullooa Gamble	Chal	Ceiling, partition wall baskets
S. Polymorphum (Munro) Majumdar	Raw-thla	Woven ware, Rare & basket making etc.
Dinochloa Compactiflorus (Kurz) McClure	Sairil	Handicraft, typing purposes
Chimonobambusa callosa (Munro) Nakai	Phar	Ornamental hedge
Schizostachyum polymarphum (Munro) Majumdar	Rawthla	Hedge, basket making
Dendraocalamus hookeri	Rawlak/ Raw-khauh	Construction purposes

Mizoram invites prospective private investors and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for setting up of industrial units for making bamboo chips, bamboo mat ply, toothpicks, bamboo blinds, chopsticks, incense stick (agarbatti) either in Joint Venture with Mizoram Bamboo Development Agency or other with local entrepreneurs.

Agro-Horticulture

Organic varieties: Use of fertilizer and pesticides in agriculture and horticulture fields in Mizoram is almost non-existing. As such, all agri-horticulture output of Mizoram are organic products of very high-value in national and international market.
The crops mentioned below have tremendous potentials for marketing outside
the state:

• Fruit Crops: Fruits like Mandarin Orange, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Hatkora, Banana and Papaya
• Vegetables Crops: Tomato, Brinjal, Bean, Pea and Iskut (Chow Chow).
• Spices Crops: Bird's eye chillies, Garlic, Ginger, turmeric, Black Pepper, Cardamom and Betel vine.
• Root & Tuber Crops: Potato, Sweet Potato and Colocasia.
• Plantation Crops: Tung, Coffee, Coconut and Areca nut.

Potential Agro-Horti Products:

Sesame: Sesamum (Chhawhchhi) is one of the most important edible oil seeds cultivated in Mizoram. It is grown as mixed crops in Jhum land. Sesamum is usually rich in oil (50%) and protein (18-20%). A 100 gm of seed provide 592 calories. Sesamum produced in Mizoram are mainly marketed to Assam. Traders use to collect the produce from farmers and carry to nearby market i.e. at Karimganj or Silchar. A Sesamum is a short-gestation crop. The quantity of the production can be increased or decreased according to demand.

Cotton: Cotton is the most important fibre crop cultivated in Mizoram. It is sown as mixed crop in Jhum land. It is grown mainly in the Western belt of Mizoram. There is vast potential for cultivation of cotton in Mizoram.At present the utilisation of cotton in Mizoram is concentrated only for making of quilts, pillows, cushions etc as there is no cottage industry for other purposes like making threads etc. The approximate cost of cotton in Mizoram is Rs.50.00 per Kg.

Tung: Tung (Aleurites Montana) is seen all over Mizoram. It is generally grown in homestead and garden lands in a scattered manner. Sometimes, it is grown in jhum lands in compact blocks having 275 plants per ha. The tung oil is used largely in paint industry and is considered as the best of the available oils in India. At present, castor, linseed and other oils are generally used in the paint industry and Tung oil could easily replace the other oils used by the industry. Thus, there will be no difficulty in marketing tung oil. At present, there are two Tung oil extraction units near Aizawl. The oilcakes can be used as fertilizer for the fields. Tung oil is marketed at the rate of Rs.40 per kg ex-factory.

Tung oil is chiefly imported from China. Given the right technology, tung oil extraction in Mizoram can be very profitable as an item of import-substitution. There is an immense scope for tung cultivation in Mizoram.

Orchids: Mizoram has a wide spectrum of orchids growing from the lower elevations to the high hills. The Orchids grown in the high hills fetch a good price in the market at Delhi and Calcutta. More than 200 varieties of Orchids have been identified in Mizoram till now. In view of the right agro-climatic conditions prevailing in Mizoram, there is an immense potential growing Orchids for large-scale commercial purposes.

Coffee: The climatic conditions of the mid-hill ranges of Mizoram with high rainfall and sufficient warmth almost throughout the year coupled with fertile, well drained, mildly acidic soil have been found to be congenial for successful cultivation of coffee. Coffee plantation can play an important role in the state of Mizoram. A very low gestation period of two years and the simple on farm processing of the produce are the favourable factors for large-scale cultivation in the state.

Since coffee based cropping system promises higher economic return for the farmers on a permanent basis, the government of Mizoram has been proposed to establish coffee plantations in an area of 10,000 hectares over a period of 10 years.

Tea: The tea produced in Mizoram has a distinct touch of quality and flavour similar to teas grown in high altitudes like the Nilgiris and Darjeeling. Biate has the largest area under tea, followed by Ngopa, Khawdungsei, NE Bualpui, Pawlrang, and Thungvei.There is a scope of setting up a mini tea processing plant at Biate in collaboration with the local cooperatives.
Bird-eye chilly: Mizoram is famous for bird-eye chilly, which is a prized-item in spices market abroad. This is a short-gestation crops and the yield can be increased within a matter of a year or two.

Food processing

The agro-climatic condition of Mizoram is conducive to agricultural and horticultural crops. As such, a strong and effective food-processing sector plays a significant supportive role. The total production of fruits, vegetables and spices will be increasing year by year as the number of farmers are weaning away from jhum cultivation and are taking up diversification towards cash-crops.

Food processing industry would help in diversification and commercialization of agriculture and horticulture and lead to value addition. It would result in employment generation in rural areas thereby providing income revenue and potential export prospects. Above all it would help in harnessing and exploiting local resources.

Importance of food processing unit in Mizoram:

1. Mizoram accounts for about 12 percent of the total output of fruits in the Northeast.
2. There is significant production of Orange (28,000 TPA), Banana (15,000 TPA), Pineapple (7,000 TPA), Passion fruit (4000 TPA). Besides Lemon, Papaya, Hatkora and a host of other fruits are grown in the State.
3. Very importantly, the per hectare yields of fruit crops in Mizoram are significantly lower and with better inputs, is capable of growing by 50 percent.
   

Existing food processing units:

The existing Food Processing units in the State of Mizoram are as follows:

1. Food Processing Plant, Sairang, Aizawl: This plant was commissioned in August 1994 the current actual installed capacity is reported to be 460 TPA. Mostly Pineapple is processed here.
   
2. Fruit Juice Concentrate Plant, Chhingchhip: This plant located also at Aizawl district was commissioned in May 1998.The present production is 600 TPA concentrate & 800 TPA single strength juice (both in terms of output).

Importantly, fruit juice concentrate commands an encouraging market both within and outside the country and thus the plant offers significant potential in terms of quantum and technology up gradations.

Potential for large-scale fruit processing unit:

Analysing the potential of the state, now the primary objective is to convert fruits, vegetables and spices into value-added products that can facilitate the marketing of the produce with reasonable profit for the farmer. For this purpose, the produce is to be collected by the village level and district level co-operatives and sent to the processing unit at state level for conversion and marketing the products. In the process, the processing unit is entrusted to a reputed private enterprise having marketing facilities within and outside the country.

There are potential to produce the following kinds of products from Mizoram:

Fruit products: Juice (RTS), squash, jam, jelly, fruit toffee or fruit bar, snack fruits, juice concentrate, fruit pulp, dried fruits.

Vegetable products: Dried vegetable canned vegetable, mixed pickle, tapioca and potato chips, sago and starch.

Spice products: Spice oil, spice oleoresin.

Weaning foods for babies and natural colours from plant materials.

Mizoram is an investor friendly state which invites prospective entrepreneurs and investors to come forward for setting up fruit processing plants in the state.

Mines and minerals

Potential of Mizoram minerals:

The present main mineral exploration in Mizoram is hard rock of tertiary formation, which is mainly utilized as building materials and road construction work. However, several reports (both from Geological Survey of India and State Geology & Mining Wing of Industries Department) revealed that the availability of minor mineral in difference places are as follows:

• Shell Limestone: Tuirial Bank, near Sesawng, 7 Km North East of Muthi, Near Kawrtethawveng, area between Lallen and West Phaileng, near Kawnpui village, near Chawngte village, near Blue Mountain, Nisapui, Lungmuatram and Demdum area.
• Colored hard sandstone/siltstone: Near N. Vanlaiphai, between Tuipang and Siatla, and other South West area of Saiha and adjoining areas.
• Clay Mineral: Bank of Tut river, Bank of Tuirial, Bank of Tuirini, Chawngte lui, Phura valley, Morai and Lokicherra.
• Coal Seam: North West of Kola sib, Phuaibuang, Lamzawl.
• Oil and Natural Gas: 31 structures of anticlinals within the state.
  

Mineral water plant:

Bottled mineral water is increasingly gaining ground as a source of safe drinking water in our country. Due to lack of availability of safe drinking water from municipal sources, most of the hotels, restaurants, rest houses depend on bottled mineral water. Most tourists, whether local of foreigners, do prefer bottled mineral water as safe drink.

To take care of the local demand as well as to take advantage of the phenomenal growth of demand of mineral water in India, the Government of Mizoram has been installing a mineral water plant near Aizawl by the side of Tuirial bridge on NH-54. The site is about 25 km from Aizawl on an all weather motorable road. The plant has the capacity to process and bottle 15,000 litres of water per day to cater to the internal demand of Mizoram.Main raw material i.e. water, will be tapped from Lunghret Lui about 1300 m upstream of the plant site. Water samples from both Lunghret Lui and Sakei Lui were tested. Water from both the sources was found suitable for mineral water plant, but Lunghret Lui, being nearest to site is being considered, to install intake-pumping station. Also, flow rate of Lunghret Lui has been checked during various seasons. The rate varies between 46 to 700 m3/h. Hence; Lunghret Lui is considered to be a reliable source for input water for the plant operating at 3 m3/h, conforming to 15000 liters of bottled water per day.

Export of stone metal to Bangladesh:

Mizoram possesses a large deposit of hard rock that can be utilized for building and road construction activities. Its demand in our neighbouring country, Bangladesh, is known to be high.

Handloom and Handicraft

The Handicrafts industry in Mizoram is built on cane and bamboo and textile craft. Cane and bamboo are remarkable natural materials found abundantly in the state. Its popularity is due to special features such as pliability and linear strength which have been used to advantage by craftsmen in many creative ways. The original garment of the Mizos is known as puan. The Mizos have certain unique patterns and motifs that have come down through the ages.

Some popular products of Mizoram are:

• Shawls
  
• Bags
  
• Ties
  
• Stoles
  
• Placemats

Information technology (IT) & IT enabled services

Being the second highest literacy rate in the country, it is believed that Mizoram can also become the most IT literate state in the country. Keeping these objectives in mind, the Government of Mizoram has 'IT Policy of Mizoram 2001'. This IT Policy covered the vital sectors of Industry, Education, Government, Health, Tourism, Agriculture and IT for Masses. Apart from these, the Policy has also provided a number of incentives and opportunities for entrepreneurs in the state of Mizoram. To monitor the progress of the implementation of IT policy, the Government has also constituted 'Mizoram IT Task Force' under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary and the Secretary (IT) as Member Secretary.

Advantage of Mizoram

• State government initiatives and willingness to provide all necessary supports for the development of IT in Mizoram.
• Literacy rate of Mizoram is the second highest in the country which coupled with the climate are major encouragers for IT sector development.
• Large available pool of English speaking people, with increasing interest in pursuing computer related field.
• Pollution free, ideal climatic condition.
• Innovative people and creative mind.
• Adaptability and flexibility of the local youth.

Initiatives taken up for the development of IT

Project Undertaken:

• Training Programme for
  
  • DOEACC 'O' and 'A' at Lunglei and Aizawl
    
  • DOEACC 'CCC' Level Course
    
  • Repairs & Maintenance of Electronics at Lunglei
    
  • PC Hardware Maintenance Course at Aizawl
    
  • Consumer Electronics Training Centre for rural educated unemployed youths for their sustainable self-employment
• Common Facilities Centre for Electronics & IT Entrepreneurs
• Application of computerized Braille computer system at Mizoram, Blind Schools - Integrated School, Kolasib and Samaritan Blind School, Durtlang.
• Multimedia content creation centre for sustainable self-employment generation.
• Establishment of centre for Electronics Design & Technology Centre of India (CEDTI) with the Ministry of IT, Government of India
• School Children Computer Education Centre at every District under 11th Finance Commission.
  

On-Going Project:

• Setting up of Community Information Centres (CICs) Project in 22 RD Blocks & 5 District Headquarters.
• IT Entrepreneurs Development Programme for Educated Unemployed Youths of Mizoram
• Mizoram Education Networks for providing Internet connectivity to all educational Institution.
• IT based education and communication for People affected with 'Cerebral Palsy '
• IT training centre at secretariat complex for IT literacy programme for government employees.
  
• Government of Mizoram Internet backbone connectivity for providing Internet connectivity in all government offices.
  
• Mizoram secretariat networks with the state-of-the-art technology ATM switch and fibre optics backbone.
  Projects taken up in due course:
  
• Telemedicine Programme at every District for remote diagnosis
  
• State Wide Area Networks for on-line communication with various Department and Citizen Interfaces
• Software Technology Park (STP).
  
• GAD Networks for Internetworking of all the Mizoram Houses located at Delhi, Kolkata, Gwahati, Shillong, and Silchar. This network will also be used for Inner-line permit.
• North-Eastern Institute of Information Technology (NEIIT)
• IT Literacy Programme for all government employees.
• Chief Minister on-line
  

Potential projects for the development of IT in Mizoram:

I. Hi-tech complex

The Government of Mizoram is endeavour to set-up hi-tech infrastructure exclusively to house units for software development and IT enabling services. Hi-Tech Complex should be architecturally designed and equipped with the latest state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities to meet the needs of the Hi-Tech companies in Electronics, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Finance and related Industries. The main objective is to offer a one-stop shopping solution to Hi-Tech companies for their business activities and social needs such as Recreational Facilities, Banks, Post Office, Cafeteria, etc.

II. North Eastern Institute of Information Technology (NEIIT)

The Government of Mizoram endeavor to create and develop a centre for excellence in IT Education known as 'North Eastern Institute of Information Technology (NEIIT)'. The NEIIT is to be deemed University and could be established in a joint hand with Central Government and reputed Private/Multinational Companies. NEIIT should offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in IT. NEIIT should also institute research programmes leading to Ph.D. The Institute should work closely with industry leaders through their Corporate Schools and to help them in undertaking training programmes needed in the industrial and financial sectors.

III. Software Technology Park (STP)

The Government of Mizoram is endeavour to establish 'Software Technology Park' in the premises of hi-tech complex with the objective of promoting export of computer software from Mizoram .It mainly aims at the development and export of Software and Software Services through Technology assessments, market analysis, marketing segmentation, marketing support etc.

This STP also aims to establish and manage the infrastructural resources such as Data communication facilities, built-up space, common amenities etc.and to provide services to the users who undertake software development for export and IT Enabled services purposes.
Also it aims to train professionals and to encourage design and development in the field of software technology and software engineering. This STP may be establish with a joint effort of the Government of Mizoram and Department of IT, Government of India, New Delhi.

IV. IT Enabled Services (ITES)

IT enabled services is the most suitable area for Mizoram. Therefore, IT enabled services will be one of the main thrust area for socio-economic development of Mizoram State. Therefore, the government of Mizoram endeavour to established Call Centre, Medical Transcription, Website Services, and Back-office operations.

Special incentives offered for IT enabled services

• Eligibility
  
  • The units should provide employment for minimum 50 persons.
    
  • Employment should be provided for a minimum period of 3 years.
    
  • The unit shall provide a minimum wage of at least Rs. 5000 per month per employee.
• Power subsidy shall be available for a period of 5 years, from the date of going into commercial production. The amount of subsidy shall be 60%, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 10.00 lakhs per year.
• The subsidy on captive generating set including non-conventional energy generation set shall be 60% of the cost of the generating set, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 15.00 lakhs per industrial unit.
• State Capital Investment subsidy of 40% on the capital investment on land, building, plant & machinery etc., subject to a ceiling of Rs. 15.00 lakhs shall be provided to an IT unit under the policy.
• 60% subsidy on shed rent payable to STPI shall be available for a period of three years from the date of going into commercial operation, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 5 lakhs per annum.
• 40% subsidy on Hot line / Lease line connectivity paid to STPI or BSNL or VSNL subject to a ceiling of Rs. 10.00 lakhs per annum shall be available to the units for a period of three years from the date of commercial operation.

Tourism

With its abundant scenic beauty and a soothing climate, Mizoram has a scope of developing tourist related industries. Specific tourist projects can be developed to put Mizoram on the tourist map of India.

Possible Developmental Avenues:

There are various possible developmental avenues in tourism and related sector such as:

1. Creation of facilities for:
   • Cultural, adventure and wildlife, eco tourism, etc
   • Scenic spots
   • Amusement parks, other leisure & entertainment units (including sports, if any), of tourist interest.
   • Health farms
2. Hotels & Lodges
3. Travel Agencies, tour operators, and tourist transport services
4. Convention/ Seminar Centers
   

Places of interest:

Aizawl:

• Capital Town at 4,000 ft above sea level, ideal for a hill-resort characterised by:
  • Cultural sub centre, with modern recreational facilities
    
  • State Museum
    
  • Mini Zoo
    
  • Shopping facilities and,
• Bung and Palkhai Gateway at 15 km
  Tamdil:
  
• Lake, at 85 kms, from Aizawl near Saitual village with Boating facilities
• Ideal picnic spot for development of fishing and boating
  Vantawng Falls:
  
• Largest waterfall in Mizoram at 750 ft. high, in lush green surroundings
• Located 137 km from Aizawl, near Thenzawl town
• Viewing gallery is under consideration.

Champhai:

• Peeks into marvelous Myanmar hills, located 204 Km south of Aizawl and is also important commercial center at Myanmar border.
  Lunglei:
  
• Nature lovers paradise, 235 km south from Aizawl
  Phawngpui:
  
• "The blue mountain" - Highest mountain peak in Mizoramat 7100 ft.
• With fairy tale view of blue laved hills and vales unfolding below, and wildlife-birds and animals both
  Dampa Sanctuary:
  
• At Northwestern tip of Mizo hills
• Inhabited with swamp deer, tiger, leopard, elephant and hoolock gibbon
• Has been declared Tiger Reserve
• Sanctuary not developed as tourist attraction

Palak Lake:

• Biggest lake in Mizoram surrounded by dense forests
• Abundant water birds and fish
• Not yet developed as tourist attraction
  

Reiek Hill:

• 35 km west of Aizawl
• Potential to develop into holiday resort with enormous recreational facilities.
• Is connected by Lake

Potential sectors for Tourism development in Mizoram:

1. The Reiek Tourist Complex
   • Creation of Holiday Resort/Homes/Cottages (already under consideration)
   • With variety indoor recreation facilities/ multiple entertainment center.
   • Ropeway to connect Aizawl and Reiek (to bear heavy goods and passenger load) reducing the road distances of 35 kms to 2/3 km.
   • Create Crafts Village/Mizo Hat to include:
     • Display and sale of local handicrafts
     • Regional cuisine snack bars, set-up in ethnic style
     • Organise bi-weekly traditional dances, within the complex.
   • Mini shopping centre inside the complex to meet tourist essential needs, like clothing, toiletries, medicines etc.
   • Resort to arrange for identified circuit tours of 1 day and package tours also, providing facilities for onward journey.
     
2. Palak Lake Development
   
• Construction of black top approach road
• Facilities for boating and fishing to be developed
• Construction of pay-and-use toilet
3. Dampa Sanctuary
   • Develop complex with tree houses/cottages for overnight halts
     
   • Organise guided tour/safari within the sanctuary as part of individual or entire safari circuit
     
4. Vantawng Falls
   • Develop an ideal leisure home in Thenzawl town for elite tourist by constructing
     
   • Mini golf course
     
   • Well-equipped tourist cottages and cafeteria
     
   • Village "Square" displaying arts and crafts of the region.

Investment prospects in Tourism sector:

• To develop central bus and Taxi terminal (CBT/CTT) in Aizawl.
• Explore Kolodyne river for navigation purposes
• Explore Lawngtlai- Saiha ropeway possibility
• Setting up a movie theatre (one each) in Aizawl, Lunglei, Saiha, Champhai to start with and identify other possible locations.
• Fast food/multi-cuisine restaurant in major towns.
• River Rafting on Tlawng river between Reiek and Bairabi.

Investment Opportunities

Bamboo and timber based industries

• The state has vast bamboo resources that can be exploited to set up bamboo based manufacturing units.
  
• Bamboo is a major input in various industries such as agriculture, construction, handicrafts, etc.
  
• There exists huge potential of earning revenue through exports of bamboo products.
  
• The state encourages timber and bamboo industry.
  
• The Mizoram government invites private investors and FDI for setting up industrial units for making bamboo chips, bamboo mat ply, toothpicks, bamboo blinds, chopsticks, incense sticks, either in joint venture with the Mizoram Bamboo Development Agency or with the local entrepreneurs.
  A separate bamboo policy has been announced for the development of bamboo sector.

Agro- horticulture sector

• The climatic condition is very favorable for cultivation and growth of various kinds of fruits.
  
• The environment is also conducive for poultry, animal husbandry and mushroom cultivation.
  
• The various potential agro-horti products are sesame, Tung, cotton, orchids, coffee, tea, bird-eye chilly.

Food processing

• There exists immense potential for the production of
  
• Food products like squash, jam, jelly, fruit bars, fruit pulp, dried fruit.
  
• Vegetable products like dried vegetable canned vegetable, mixed pickle, tapioca, potato chips, sago and starch.
  
• Spice products like spice oils and spice oleoresin.

Mines and Minerals sector

• A number of minerals like shell limestone, coloured hard sandstone, clay mineral, coal seam, oil and natural gas are available in the state.
  
• The government will give special attention to units based on indigenous and imported gems and gemstone.

Handloom and handicrafts

• Modernization of this sector by induction of improved design and technology to make it an export-oriented sector is encouraged by the state.
  
• There are potentials in developing bamboo crafts and readymade garments made out of specially designed local handloom clothes, which can be exported and marketed outside India.

Tourism sector

• Mizoram with its soothing climate and exquisite natural beauty resting on the undulating hills and greenery offers good scope for developing tourism Industry.
  
• There are various development avenues in tourism and related sectors such as
  
  • Cultural, adventure and wildlife, eco tourism, etc
    
  • Amusement parks, other leisure & entertainment units (including sports)
    
  • Health farms
    
  • Hotels & Lodges
    
  • Travel Agencies, tour operators, and tourist transport services
    
  • Convention/ Seminar Centers

Information technology

• The pollution free atmosphere of the state is congenial for the development of this sector.
  
• High literacy rate prevalent in the state facilitates the IT industry.
  
• A separate IT policy has been announced to encourage investment in this sector.

Investment Incentives

To encourage flow of capital into the industrial sector, the state government has announced an attractive investment package, which includes the following

• Subsidies on the cost of project report
  
• Land subsidy
  
• Factory rent subsidy
  
• Manpower development subsidy
  
• Interest subsidy
  
• Power subsidy
  
• Subsidy on power line
  
• Subsidy on power generating set
  
• State transport subsidy on plant and machinery

In addition to the above benefits, the government of Mizoram offers the following incentives under the New Industrial Policy (2000)

State capital investment subsidy

• An investment subsidy on the total investment made in plant and machinery will be provided on a graded scale to the new industrial units.
  
• It will be available to both new units as well as the existing units for the purpose of expansion, diversification and modernization.

Concession on state and central sales tax

• State Sales Taxes shall be exempted for a period of 7 year from the date of commencement of actual commercial production. However, for the units set up in the thrust area, the exemption period will be 10 years.
  
• Various Notifications/Orders issued by Government of India in this regards will govern exemption of Central Sales Taxes and Excise duties.

Price Preference

Price preference will be given for the products of local units as per the provisions of Mizoram preferential stores purchase rules 1994.

• Subsidy on registration fee of promotion council, commodity board and chamber of commerce
• The amount spent by an industrial unit in obtaining a registration with recognized promotion council, commodity board, chamber of commerce etc., shall be reimbursed to the unit subject to a limit of Rs.20, 000/- or the actual registration fee which ever is less.

Incentives for export oriented units

• For 100% Export Oriented Units (EOU) An additional 5% capital investment subsidy for investment on plant and machinery subject to a maximum of US$ 10852.54 will be made available to100% EOUs.
• Other units with an export commitment of less than100% of the total turn over: An additional 2% of capital investment subsidy for investment of plant and machinery subject to a maximum of US$ 4,339.06 will be made available to units of less than 100% export commitment.

Policy Framework

The Bamboo policy of Mizoram 2002

Aims and objectives

Considering the Ecological significance and vast economic potential of Bamboo in the State, aims and objectives of the Bamboo Policy shall be as under:

• Protection and preservation of mountain ecology; protecting the mountain slopes by affording protection to bamboo forests and bamboo regrowth areas for sustained productivity and environmental security for the people.
  
• Protection, conservation of rich bio-diversity associated with bamboo forests and regrowth areas and their future development.
  
• Sustainable development and utilization of Bamboo resources through scientific management.
  
• Promotion of private bamboo plantation (Individual and community owned) as the key thrust area for future economy of the State.
  
• Promotion of bamboo cultivation in the homestead and as a cash crop and an essential component of agro- forestry to generate income and to meet the contingent need of rural households in the state.
  
• Improvement of bamboo productivity in farm and forestry sector by use of biotechnology and improved management practices thus making bamboo plantation a profitable and attractive economic enterprise for securing adequate return on investment.
  
• Promotion of bamboo based industries at cottage level, small scale, medium and large scale for utilizing the available resources at a sustainable level for generating assured income.
  
• Revitalisation and promotion of local traditional Bamboo craft and art with improved technology, design and market linked trade for value added items for export through industrialized mode of production.
• Promotion of bamboo sector development as an essential component of rural development strategy linked with forestry and agri-business sector in the State promoting rural employment.
  
• Promotion of bamboo as an essential wood substitute by increasing bamboo production. Promotion of enterprises manufacturing bamboo based products and wood substitutes thereby reducing pressure on wrests and reducing wood deficiency in the state.
  

Promotion of awareness and understanding of bamboo as "Green Gold" among farmers, traders, industry men in the state with a view to utilizing its full potential and to galvanise the rural and industrial sector in the state.

Approach to Bamboo sector development

• Conservation of bamboo-diversity, bamboo-germplasm and preservation of mountain ecology.
  
• Use of Bamboo forests and bamboo regrowth areas for affording protection in critical watersheds, to human habitations, civil engineering structures like national and state highways, rural roads and hydropower projects, etc.
• Regulating bamboo-exploitation in jhum regrowth and jhum areas by involving Village Councils/Village Forest Development Committees (VFDCs) and facilitating gradual change over to agro-forestry management and practices.
  
• Sustainable management and use of dedicated bamboo forests and bamboo regrowth areas for providing essential bamboo materials for traditional use and commercial use in bamboo based industries, enterprises, handicraft sector and for bamboo trade and commerce.
  
• Promoting bamboo cultivation in homestead, agro- forestry sector as a cash crop using improved high yielding bamboo species for income generation and supporting bamboo based enterprises and bamboo trade.
  
• Promoting private bamboo plantation as key thrust area for achieving the objectives enshrined in the policy. The focus will be on developing the sector as market driven and people oriented.
  
• Providing supportive administrative, institutional framework to facilitate all round bamboo sector development by evolving a framework of incentives, subsidy, technical and professional support in regard to planting material, improved plantation technology, processing facilities and support services like training, credit, marketing, export facilitation etc.
  
• Identification of select bamboo species for plantation raising and providing raw-materials to select industries like bamboo mat board, flooring and edible shoots having high demand in domestic and export market and adoption of improved technology and market & export linkages and supportive investments to promote such plantation & processing enterprises in the State.

Full text of the policy (.pdf)

IT policy

Vision

To make Mizoram the most IT literate state in the country and a global center of excellence in IT Education, Training, Research, and Development. This vision translates into a mission. The vision objectives are:

• Employment Generation
• Creation of Wealth
• IT led economic growth

To accomplish its vision, the Govt. of Mizoram will play the role of pro-active facilitator, pro -active motivator, pro-active promoter, in order to spread IT to the masses speedily, and to ensure speedy IT led economic development.

Objectives

The following are the objectives of Mizoram IT Policy:

• Promotion of IT Industry, IT software, IT Products, and IT Services within the state.
• Promoting IT for the masses.
• Setting up a goal of achieving total computer literacy in Mizoram
  by the year-2010.
• Improvement of efficiency and productivity in governance.
• Improvement of transparency and responsive-attitude in
  governance.
• Generation of IT -skilled manpower and IT capacity-building in
  the State.
• Promotion of IT skills and IT know-how among the youth of
  Mizoram enabling them to engage in gainful self-employment
  and in IT related activities.
• Propelling growth of IT and IT related activities.
• Providing of people-friendly interfacing between Government
  and citizen.
• Providing better information and interactive services to tourists,
  businessman and entrepreneurs.
• Dissemination of knowledge to farmers, agriculturists and rural
  population of Mizoram.
• Improvement of revenue assessment and collection
  mechanism.
• Improvement of general employment opportunity and
  employment generation.
• Widespread use of IT in educational Institutions.
• Development of capabilities of Governance as a catalyst for
  economic development by collaborative action and learning.
• Proliferation of Internet, E-Governance, E-Commerce and E-Education.

Full text of the policy (.pdf)

Power Policy

Objectives

With a view to promote generation of grid-grade power through Non-Conventional Energy Sources in the context of non polluting, renewable inputs like solar, wind, small hydel, biomass and other wastes, the Government of Mizoram has adopted this policy.

Operative period:

1. Not withstanding the provisions in the existing Revenue Acts and Rules, land lease can be considered for a period not exceeding 99 years, based on merit or life of the project, as the case may be.
2. This policy shall come into operation from the date of its publication in the
   official gazette and will remain in force until superseded or modified by
   another order.

Full text of the policy (.pdf)

New Industrial Policy 2002

Aims and objectives:

The main aim of this Industrial Policy of Mizoram, 2000 was to engineer rapid growth in the state by industrialization of the state to a sustainable extent for the fulfillment of the following objectives:

• Enrichment of industrial growth potential lying in the sectors like agriculture, horticulture, forest and establishment of proper linkage amongst the industries based on resources available in these sectors.
• Formation of suitable mechanism for attracting and growth of capital formation in Mizoram by taking full advantage of the policy changes initiated by the Central Government in respect of industry, trade and commerce from time to time.
• Identifying and develop entrepreneurial and managerial skills by providing suitable training programmes at District, Sub-Division and Block levels and to create facilities for training of industrial labour on sustained basis.
• Ensuring balanced sectoral and regional growth by promoting industries under all sectors.
• Promotion and modernization of textile industry including traditional Sericulture and Handloom and Handicraft sectors by induction of improved design, quality and technology so as to make textile industry a potential export-oriented sector.
• Encouraging joint ventures between local entrepreneurs and industrialists from outside the State on selective basis.
  · Encouraging joint venture from outside the State with State's own public sector undertakings and with resourceful local entrepreneurs.
• Encouraging self-employment especially among technically qualified unemployed persons of the State for generating additional employment opportunities in the State.
• Allowing convergence of activities of all government agencies so as to make a concerted approach towards industrial growth.
• Identifying sick industries and take measures for the revival of such units that have the potential to turn around.
• Making Mizoram a major center for the growth of fruit and food based industries by encouraging plantation and growth of different kind of livestocks in the state.
• Making major entry in bamboo-based industries by optimum utilization of bamboo resources of Mizoram.
• Developing Mizoram as an attractive region for tourism industries.
• Encouraging quality control, standardization and competitiveness of the local products.
• Envisaging industrial development in Mizoram by encouraging private entrepreneurship and confining the role of government to that of promotional and catalytic agent for the growth of industry, trade & commerce in the State.
• Ensuring minimization of pollution and encouraging eco-friendly units.
• Encouraging industry based on medicinal plants.

Full text of the policy (.pdf)

Useful Web links

• Government of Mizoram
• Invest in Mizoram