539/2025-2026

Lunglei, 9 March 2026: A one-day media workshop titled "Varta" on Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 and the National AIDS and STD Control Programme was organised today by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, at the Press Club, Lunglei.

Pi Navneet Mann, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Lunglei, attended the programme as Chief Guest. Pu CMS Dawngliana, Vice President, YMA Sub-Headquarters, Lunglei, and Pu F. Lalngaihzuala, Vice President, MJA Lunglei, were the Guests of Honour.

In her address, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted that both schemes are highly relevant for Mizoram, particularly for Lunglei district. She said that the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), the new version of MGNREGA, guarantees 125 days of employment per rural household and supports rural livelihoods, especially in the agricultural sector. She also emphasised the importance of the National AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Programme, noting that Mizoram records one of the highest numbers of HIV/AIDS cases in the country.

She further stressed the important role of media and social media in spreading awareness and ensuring that accurate information about government schemes reaches the people. She also appreciated the Press Information Bureau for organising the workshop.

Pu CMS Dawngliana thanked the organisers for conducting the workshop and highlighted the importance of creating awareness on employment and health-related programmes. Pu F. Lalngaihzuala also appreciated PIB for organising the workshop and requested that a special press tour be arranged for members of the Mizoram Journalists' Association (MJA), Lunglei.

Dr Rajeev Lourembam, Head of Office, PIB Aizawl, delivered the keynote address. During the technical session, the G RAM G Act, 2025 was presented by officials from DRDO Lunglei. This was followed by a presentation on the National AIDS & STD Control Programme by Dr Zodinpuii Hrahsel, CPM, DISHA. The workshop concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session with participants.