05
2015
In a forum, in Yangon, the Chin State government presented a state-level social sector and economic development update to an audience of international donors and development partners. The presentation was linked to the ongoing preparation of the 2016-2021 5-year Comprehensive Development Plan for Chin State and accompanying Local Social Plan (LSP) within the context of the ongoing decentralization reform and peace process. The plan, which resulted from a collaboration with the Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development (MIID) and financial support from DANIDA and UNICEF, documents the current status of developmental priorities in Chin State and lays out over forty proposals for development projects, covering various sectors, with a total portfolio of $70 million USD.
The planning report is the result of a participatory process, championed by the Chief Minister, which involved a range of local stakeholders including government officials, NGO representatives, members of the Chin National Front, teachers, health workers, business owners, religious leaders and other community members from the state’s nine townships. During the planning process all major sectors of the Chin State economy and social sphere were examined. Workshops were conducted throughout the state in which the Chin people and the government could articulate challenges and aspirations for their state.
Chin State is currently the poorest state in the nation. 73% of the Chin population is officially classified as ‘poor’ and 58% of the children are measured as being seriously or moderately stunted.
To address these and other challenges through an integrated approach, the plan recommends significant-levels of resource mobilization for programming in social protection, education, health, agriculture, livestock/fisheries, forestry, small and medium enterprise development, technical vocational training, infrastructure, responsible tourism, and institutional development.
In line with President Thein Sein’s promotion of a people-centred approach to development, the plan has endeavoured to represent priorities of the state’s citizens, to build up cooperation between diverse groups, and construct a comprehensive development program which addresses the critical issues facing Chin State today.