Mizoram to emerge as bamboo state of India: Jitendra Singh

Centre today said Mizoram would be helped to emerge as the 'bamboo state' of the country which will help generate revenue and employment in large numbers.
Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh during his meeting with Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla here said the North Eastern state has a very bright opportunity to develop itself and earn this unique distinction.
Singh, an official statement said, told the Chief Minister that each of the eight North Eastern states can develop their individual identities as he suggested that Mizoram can turn out to be a major source of not only furniture but also paper by harnessing its bamboo cultivation.

"This could not only help generate revenue for the state but also create job opportunities for youth outside Mizoram," he said.
Singh added he had already initiated efforts to activate the government's "Bamboo Development Board".
The Union Minister also said he is persuading the Civil Aviation ministry and private airlines to start, if not daily, at least bi-weekly or tri-weekly direct flights between Delhi and Mizoram's capital Aizawl.

In April this year, maiden direct flights from Delhi to Nagaland's Dimapur were started.
Referring to the contribution made by the people of the state, Singh said it is not widely known that Mizoram has a high literacy rate of over 92 per cent, next only to Kerala, and some of the academicians from Mizoram are occupying important positions in reputed colleges and universities of the country.

Lal Thanhawla also briefed the Minister about his desire to construct community halls in and around Aizawl.