Farmers in Mizoram will get Advantage of SEDP Scheme Next Year

Lalruatkima, an advisor to the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and Rural Development minister of Mizoram, said that the government's flagship programme Socio-Economic Development Policy (SEDP) will be delivered to farmers' doorsteps by next year to usher in development in the state.

Addressing a meeting as part of the election campaign for the Tuirial assembly seat bypoll in Mualkhang village in Aizawl, Lalruatkima said that the MNF has fulfilled several of its manifestos and urged the people to judge the party based on whether or not it kept its pre-poll pledges.

He stated that farmers will be able to access SEDP beginning next year.

"By next year, farmers will have access to the SEDP. Please assess and measure if the MNF government, led by Chief Minister Zoramthanga, meets its manifestos," the MNF adviser stated while campaigning for the bypoll.

The SEDP is a flagship programme of the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) that intends to bring about sustainable development by speeding growth in important sectors through resource discovery and prudent utilisation, as well as ensuring citizen equality and equity.

Lalruatkima, who also holds the Information and Public Relations portfolio, stated that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the party manifestos in 2018 have been met, and that attempts are being made to meet the remaining pre-poll pledges. 

Sticking to its pre-election pledges, the MNF prohibited alcohol and rescheduled school timings to fit the local culture as soon as it took control in December 2018, he claimed.

According to him, the MNF administration also reinforced Lok Ayukta, an anti-corruption ombudsman, rebuilt damaged roads, and effectively resolved the state's cooking gas and food crises.

Lalruatkima said that the current administration is courageous enough to protect the state's boundaries, which Congress supposedly failed to accomplish. He also stated that the process of building border areas is ongoing.

Lalrinsanga Ralte, MLA for Tuirial Assembly Constituency, also spoke at the gathering.

On October 30, a byelection for the Tuirial assembly seat will be conducted with three parliamentary seats and 29 other assembly seats around the country.

On November 2, the votes will be counted.

Four candidates from the MNF, Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), Congress and BJP are running for the Tuirial seat, which has been empty since August after incumbent MLA Andrew H. Thangliana died.