Zoramthanga seeks special considerations for NE

Aizawl, Dec 20 (UNI) Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga today urged the Planning Commission (PC) to give special considerations in various areas to North East states.

Talking to mediapersons here, Zoramthanga said, ''It was necessary for the Planning Commission to address the special issues faced by the region in respect of various plans which, though easy to accomplish in other regions, are most difficult tasks in the North East.'' Talking about education, the Chief Minister said the Sarva Shiksa Abhyan mission had proved beneficial for improved education system but not for providing career-based education.

He said although it was appreciated that the Centre had taken pains to see that literacy is eradicated, this alone is not enough.

Mr Zoramthanga pointed out that specialised areas of studies are needed to be introduced and that the PC should give special consideration in this aspect to the North East states.

On the subject of Agriculture, Mr Zoramthanga also asked for special consideration as there was an urgent need to abolish the traditional slash and burn system of farming.

He said this was a system practised all over the North East, which is slowly destroying the abundant forest lands in the region.

According to Zoramthanga, the best way to reform the farming system would be to introduce contract farming because most farmers do not get dividends from their produce.

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