Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga on Thursday said that the state government is committed to successful implementation of the state’s flagship programme, Socio-Economic Development Policy (SEDP).

Addressing the Independence Day celebrations at Lammual (Assam Rifles ground) here, Zoramthanga said the SEDP aims at accelerating progress in key sectors and transforming Mizoram into a welfare state by achieving self- sufficiency in foodgrains and improving social life, among others. He said 14 boards, each headed by a minister, have been set up to implement the flagship programme.

He said the government would focus on bamboo cultivation.

“SEDP will also focus on increasing the Gross State Domestic Product of Mizoram. It will improve economic condition, create employment opportunities and favourable business environment besides bringing sustainable development. Creation of basic infrastructure, cultivation and processing of bamboo is the other important objectives of the flagship programme,” he said.

According to the chief minister, three new districts —Saitual, Khawzawl and Hnahthial — have been created for better administration and development. He pointed out that the state has come out at the top among smaller states in health index.

The three-time chief minister said there has been tremendous progress in the power sector and Mizoram was among the first in the Northeast to have successfully implemented the Saubhagya scheme.