Aizawl, Oct 24 - With a rise in demand for electricity, the Mizoram government has signed an agreement with the state-run National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to set up a 460 MW power project at Lawngtlai in southern Mizoram.

"Since the demand has risen from 65 MW to 100 MW during peak hours, power source needs to be increased and the government has signed an agreement with NTPC to set up a 460 MW power project at Lawngtlai in southern Mizoram," Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said.

The power project, to be installed at a cost of Rs. 30 billion, would be commissioned by 2013.

The government is also working to renew the Tuirial Hydel project and Tuivai project, Lal Thanhawla said, adding that some small power projects would also be taken up under Public-Private Partnership.

The chief minister told the state assembly that the government would implement the Sixth Pay Commission for its 90,000 employees.

Lal Thanhawla said that the cabinet's decision is being awaited and the government is keen to implement the 6th Pay Commission recommendation as soon as possible, a senior finance department official told newsmen.

Lal Thanhawla, who also holds the finance portfolio, told the house that while the government was ready to implement the recommendations for its regular employees, the welfare of the casual and contingent workers of the government was not overlooked and it was recommended that their wages be increased.

He also said the New Land Use Policy (NLUP), a flagship programme of the government, was aimed at achieving sustainable development for the rural poor and several improvements had to be incorporated in the policy to ensure its utmost success.

The chief minister said education reform and improving the healthcare system were other priority areas of his government. (IANS)