AIZAWL: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said that the NDA government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is strengthening Mizoram’s economy through tax devolution and grants-in-aid.
She was on a day visit to the northeastern state to campaign for the BJP candidate Vanlalhmuaka on the last day of the campaign.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference at Lengpui before her departure to Delhi in the evening, the Union Finance Minister claimed that the tax devolution received by Mizoram has increased by 7 times during the last 10 years of the Modi government.
While Mizoram received tax devolution amounting to Rs. 4,734 core during 10 years between 2004 and 2014 under the Congress-led UPA government, it received Rs. 32,823 crore during the last 10 years of NDA government between 2014 and March 2024, she said.
The grants-in-aid to Mizoram have also increased by 102 per cent during 2014-2024, she said.
During 10 years before the Modi government, Mizoram received Rs. 21,358 crore as grants, which has increased to Rs. 43,101 crore during the last 10 years of the NDA government, she said.
Apart from these, the Centre also implemented several schemes and projects to develop the state and improve connectivity in the hilly state, she said.
Sitharaman said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives priority to the Northeast and he visited the region at least 65 times during the last 10 years.
Central ministers have also visited the region on over 850 occasions, she said.
The Union Finance Minister also claimed that the northeastern states, including Mizoram, have largely benefitted from Goods and Services Tax (GST).
She said that the Centre is in favour of maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries and efforts will be made to formalise cross-border trade between Myanmar and Mizoram.
Sitharaman also addressed a public meeting at south Mizoram’s Siaha town on Wednesday.