V The great majority of Mizoram's population is

several ethnic tribes who are either culturally

or linguistically linked. These ethnic groups
are collectively known as Mizos (Mi= People,
Zo= Hill). One should note that 'Mizo' is a
generic term which denotes a particular
group of hillmen who are closely linked
culturally and linguistically. Moreover these
group of people of hillmen share close
physical similarities.
V Mizos are a close-knit society with no class
distinction and no sexual discrimination. 90%
of them are cultivators and the village
functions as a large family.
V The head of the state government is a
governor appointed by the Central Indian
Government.
V The Chief Minister, who holds the real
executive powers, is the head of the party or
coalition garnering the largest majority in the
state elections.
V Mizoram has a unicameral legislature like
most other Indian states.
V Mizoram has witnessed vast constitutional,
political and administrative changes in recent
years. The traditional chieftainship was
abolished and the District and Regional
Councils (created under the Sixth Schedule of
the Constitution of India) gave a substantial
measure of local control.
V Mizo women are wearing their traditional
hand woven dress called Puan. The demand
of puan is on the rise as part of the cultural
survival. Especially, a creative and a
traditional art work and cultural symbols are
on demands.
V The market of this weaving products will be
both in Mizoram and outside of Mizoram.
V Those girls, who received training in weaving,
will have two opportunities for
employment. One is the girls can start their
own looms by taking loans from the
department of Industries, Government of
Mizoram. The other opportunity is the girls
can be employed in the existing handloom
industries run by a private sectors. The
average salary varies from Rs. 1500 - 4000
depending on the sale they made.
V The current state administration wishes to
increase revenue streams from bamboo and
aside from uses as a substitute for timber, there
is research underway to utilize bamboo more
widely such as using bamboo chippings for
paper mills, bamboo charcoal for fuel, fertiliser
and the manufacture of pressed wall panels.
Mizoram is in the process of developing water
ways with the port of
Akyab Sittwe in Burma along Chhimtuipui River.
V In terms of economic development, Mizoram
has lagged behind in comparison to the rest
of the country. Cottage industry and other
small-scale industries play an important role
in its current economy. The people of
Mizoram have not taken a keen responsibility
for the development of industry due to lack of
market raw materials. Nearly 70% of the
population is engaged in agriculture.