462/2026-2027  

Champhai, dated 15th October, 2026: Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of Excise & Narcotics Department (END) and Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (LESDE) Department, attended a drug abuse prevention and Mizoram Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (MBOCWWB) awareness campaign held at Govt. Champhai College today. Pu Satinder Kumar Bhalla, Secretary, North Eastern Council (NEC), also attended the programme.

Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar stated that MBOCWWB was established to provide various welfare benefits to workers engaged in construction and related activities. He urged college students to spread awareness about the Board and its benefits among the public.

Speaking about drug abuse in Champhai, the Minister observed that one of the major reasons for its prevalence was the high demand for and consumption of drugs. He remarked that although Assam had previously served as a route for drug trafficking, its people had not generally been inclined towards drug use. He encouraged students not only to abstain from drugs themselves but also to guide and motivate others to do the same. Expressing concern over the growing use of weed among high school, higher secondary and college students, he particularly urged students of Govt. Champhai College to remain completely free from drug abuse.

The Minister also highlighted the growing tourism potential of Champhai, stating that plans were underway to improve and develop Keilungliah, while a project had also been proposed for Vangchhia. He noted that some visitors from outside Mizoram might engage in undesirable behaviour or create disturbances, adding that such challenges could sometimes accompany tourism. He stressed the importance of proper sensitisation to address these issues. He further observed that increased interaction among people from different districts of Mizoram encouraged the circulation of money and contributed to the growth of the local economy. The Minister encouraged students to work harder in their studies, qualify in various recruitment examinations and bring recognition to Champhai.

NEC Secretary Pu Satinder Kumar Bhalla, in his address, expressed his happiness at having the opportunity to interact with the students and share his thoughts with them. He praised the Mizo tradition of volunteerism (tlawmngaihna) and community service, describing it as exemplary and commendable. Referring to the serious drug-related challenges faced by his home state of Punjab, he emphasised that for India to become a developed nation by 2047, people must give up drugs and other harmful practices and channel their thoughts and abilities towards national development. He encouraged students to acquire skills that would enable them not only to earn a livelihood for themselves but also to create employment opportunities for others.

Earlier in the programme, Govt. Champhai College Principal Pu Lalthanpuia delivered the welcome address. LESDE Deputy Director Pu H. Lalruatliana gave a detailed presentation on MBOCWWB, explaining the eligibility and procedures for becoming a member. He stated that the registration fee was ₹25, with a monthly contribution of ₹10. Members could avail themselves of various benefits, including assistance during illness, marriage-related benefits and educational assistance for up to two children of registered members. He encouraged students to inform eligible construction and related workers about the benefits of enrolling in the Board and to act as ambassadors of awareness within their communities.

END Joint Commissioner Pu Peter Zohmingthanga delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the prevalence of drug abuse in Mizoram and its harmful consequences. According to figures recorded up to 31 December 2025, Mizoram had 12,839 injecting drug users (IDUs). He further stated that, from 1984 to 7 October 2026, a total of 2,051 people had died due to drug-related causes, comprising 1,799 males and 252 females.

He also referred to the Survey Report on Drugs and Children in Mizoram 2022, which indicated that middle school students in the 10–14 age group in Mizoram had already begun using cannabis. Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the Government and NGOs to combat drug abuse, he explained the various steps students could take individually to stay away from drugs and contribute to a drug-free society