Remove haves

Aizawl, May 7: Mizoram Governor Lt Gen (Rtd) M M Lakhera today said the gap between the haves and the have-nots in the society must be reduced to ensure rapid development of the country.

Talking to mediapersons after inaugurating the first Mizoram University Summer School of the state, the Governor said the world was experiencing a boom in communication, trade and business.

''Although profit is the main aim of all businesses, in today's world where the gap between the haves and the have-nots has increased so much, policy-makers must keep in mind that if the gap is not reduced, our country could be heading for disaster,'' Mr Lakhera cautioned.

He advocated that the infrastructure facilities of the less-developed countries must be improved.

''What is most important, however, is to study our land properly, identify our potential for trade and frame policies that best suit us,'' he added.

The Governor also said the work culture of the country was responsible for underdevelopment, despite there being no dearth of either manpower or expertise in the country.

''What worked for the Western countries might not necessarily be the best option for us. Hence, the professionals, scholars and experts participating in the Summer School should use this platform to study, survey and bring out results which can help in forming a better trade policy for the state,'' the Governor said.

The Summer School has been jointly organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) India Programme and the Department of Economics, Mizoram University.

UNI