AIZAWL, Oct 12: Mizoram deputy chief minister Tawnluia on
Thursday said the state government’s Socio-Economic
Development Policy (SEDP) scheme will continue if the Mizo
National Front (MNF) returns to power in the November 7
assembly polls.
Under the SEDP, the MNF government provides financial
assistance of up to Rs 3 lakh to beneficiaries to start projects
(trades) of their choice for sustainable development, he said.
Speaking to reporters at the party office here, Tawnluia, who
is also senior MNF vice-president, said SEDP assistance is not
vote-bank politics but primarily a development-oriented
programme.
According to Tawnluia, the state government has disbursed
Rs 450 crore as assistance to thousands of beneficiaries
under the SEDP during the last five years.
In the first phase, about 60,000 families were provided
assistance of Rs 50,000 each and another 60,000
beneficiaries were assisted with Rs 25,000 each in the second
phase, he said.
The process for disbursement of SEDP assistance for the third
phase has been put on hold due to the enforcement of the
model code of conduct following the announcement of the
polls, Tawnluia added.
Elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly will be held
on November 7 and counting of votes will take place on
December 3.
The ruling MNF, main opposition Zoram People’s Movement
(ZPM), Congress and BJP have decided to contest all the 40
seats on their own.
While MNF and ZPM have already released names of their
candidates, Congress and BJP are yet to do it.
Zoramthar Group or Lalpa Chhiahlawh Intelkhawm
(Association of God’s servants) headed by a retired pastor
also said it will contest at least 18 seats.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will also contest the assembly polls
and might announce its candidate list next week, party
secretary Joseph Biakthianghlima said. (PTI)
