Union minister stresses need for more hydroelectric projects, KVs in Mizoram

Union Minister Suresh Gopi on Thursday stressed the need for more hydroelectric projects, expansion of Kendriya Vidyalayas KVs, and enhanced agricultural exports in Mizoram during his visit to Kolasib district, officials said. After the meeting, the Union minister also visited an Oil Palm Processing Mill in Bukvannei, near Kolasib, where he held an interaction with local palm farmers, according to officials.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi on Thursday stressed the need for more hydroelectric projects, expansion of Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), and enhanced agricultural exports in Mizoram during his visit to Kolasib district, officials said. The Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism held an interactive meeting with heads of government departments there, where district officials presented an overview of the district's development profile, they said. Speaking at the meeting, Gopi pointed out the importance of exploring ways to establish more hydroelectric projects in Mizoram to ensure that the state becomes self-reliant to meet its increasing power demands, officials said. He also raised concern over the limited number of Kendriya Vidyalayas in Mizoram, noting that the state currently has only one KV. He suggested that the matter be actively pursued through the state's Members of Parliament to increase KVs and improve access to quality education. While acknowledging Mizoram's fertile land and strong agricultural potential, the Union minister stressed the need for dedicated efforts to export horticulture and agricultural produce to other parts of the country and international markets. He expressed satisfaction over the gradual improvement of connectivity in the state, particularly the expansion of railway infrastructure, which he said would significantly boost the state's development prospects. Noting that women's education plays a highly influential role in a nation's development, Gopi said that it is important to take proactive steps to encourage more women to pursue fields like nursing. Stating that basic foundational and school education have a profound impact on children's lives, he added that as long as the quality and standard of education are well-maintained, children can reach great heights in their futures. After the meeting, the Union minister also visited an Oil Palm Processing Mill in Bukvannei, near Kolasib, where he held an interaction with local palm farmers, according to officials.