Saturday, September 24 2005 19:33 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Aizawl: President A P J Abdul Kalam today (Sept 24, 2005) set seven agendas called 'Mizoram: Missions for Prosperity' for the development of the state in his address to the state legislature here.

In the first ever address by a President in the state assembly since its inception in 1972, Kalam asked the members of the legislature to take up the seven missions, including bio-fuel, bamboo, horticulture and tourism for the development of the state.

He said that production of bio-fuel plants in the barren land of 2,60,000 hectare in the state can generate employment to 1.3 lakh people and earnings to the tune of Rs.325 crore a year.

Scientific management of bamboo potential in the state can uplift the economy of the state to very large extent besides creating employment opportunity for the youths, he said.

He also said that up to two lakh paramedics and nurses could be produced from the state by imparting quality training to them.

Tourism, including general, spiritual and eco-tourism can boost the state's economy he said, adding, creation of secured exclusive economic zone and providing urban amenities to the rural areas (PURA) is also very important for the state and the country.

With the state's high literacy rate and rich forest and agriculture wealth it can be transformed into a very prosperous state, he said.

During interactive session with the members of the state assembly, Kalam said that India is a country of multi-lingual, multi-culture, multi-religion and multi-civilisation and there was no question of isolation of any state or region.

He promised that he would take up the matter of inclusion of Mizo language in the eighth schedule of the Constitution and funds for tapping hydro electric power potential in the state with the authorities in Delhi.

He said that he was happy to visit this beautiful state, rich in bio-diversity and the people smiling all the way.

Leader of opposition and former Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, leader of the Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) legislature party Lalhmingthanga, leader of the Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) Lalduhawma and Rakesh Mohan Chakma of the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) asked questions to the President during the interaction.

The members also welcomed and thanked the President for visiting this remote state and deliver inspiring speech in the legislature.

Earlier, speaker of the Assembly, Lalchamliana, welcomed Kalam saying that it was a great honour and privilege to have the country's President addressing the state assembly for the first time.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga offered a vote of thanks to the President for his address in the legislature and said that his speech was an eye-opener for the representatives of the people of the state in initiating development projects.

After this, Lalchamliana adjourned sine die the one-day special session of the assembly.