Aizawl: Union minister of state for information & broadcasting and parliamentary affairs L Murugan on Tuesday said he would encourage major filmmakers to shoot in Mizoram, citing the state’s “beautiful locations,” during a visit to Kolasib district bordering Assam.Murugan made the remarks while addressing representatives of civil society during an interactive session at the Kolasib DC’s Conference Hall on Tuesday evening. He said he was pleased that Mizo filmmakers have participated in the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa and other platforms. “We aim to make continuous progress by putting our utmost efforts into the tourism and cinema sectors,” he added.He said the Prime Minister and the Centre have prioritised development of the northeast. “The Prime Minister often says development of the northeast is development of India. Therefore, significant efforts are being made to improve roads and infrastructure to uplift the people,” he said.Murugan added that he was satisfied with progress in sports and women’s empowerment, and pointed to improved connectivity. He said the Bairabi-Sairang railway line is operational and that the Rajdhani Express has started running between Delhi and Sairang, which he said has boosted tourism and increased visitors from outside the state.He said the state govt and the ministry of DoNER are working closely to develop the district and the state, adding that central support has contributed to rapid progress.Murugan urged attendees to work toward implementing the central govt’s ‘PM Surya Ghar’ rooftop solar scheme. On education, he said primary schooling is foundational and flagged concern over student dropouts, calling for efforts to motivate children and parents.He also appealed for support to achieve the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”, aimed at making India a developed nation by 2047.
