No.528/2021-2022

Aizawl, the 2nd March 2022: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, in his continuing effort to popularize and create awareness of various central welfare and social security schemes, held a meeting with the leader of the Baptist Church of Mizoram(BCM).

Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati welcomed his guests by appreciating their works on social fronts and their cooperation with the government for the implementation of various government programs. The Governor also shared his acknowledgement of the fact that NGOs and the Churches play important roles not only in maintaining communal harmony, peaceful environment and so on but also in strengthening the efforts of the state government in many areas. For this reason, Governor Hari Babu felt that the networks of the churches in Mizoram, if involved more proactively in awareness campaigns on social security schemes, would result in more enrolments of the beneficiaries in the ongoing social security schemes. He shared with his guests today, his frank assessment that a majority of the population in the state are still unaware of extremely useful welfare schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana(PMJJBY), etc., that are being subscribed and benefitted by people in other states. He strongly suggested that the people of Mizoram have the right to be aware of whatever social security schemes or welfare schemes are available for them. And that the stakeholders in Mizoram should not miss out on these opportunities just because of the poor awareness campaigns. In this connection, he urged and seeks the cooperation of the churches and their vast resources across the state to help create awareness so that a maximum number of the populace is benefitted.

The Baptist Church leaders, in their interaction with the Governor, expressed their genuine appreciation of having the head of the state, who is deeply concerned with the welfare of his people. They assured the Governor that the BCM is willing to fully co-operate with the state government on any awareness drive that will benefit the people in the state. And they added further, that the focus will be given more on the social security schemes that will benefit the weaker section of the society.

They thanked the Governor for recognition of their contributions to society, especially in the fields of Education, Healthcare and promotion of communal harmony. The BCM leaders shared their continuing commitment to serving society through education and healthcare services. The Governor was informed that under the BCM, the 100 plus educational institutions are functioning within the state of Mizoram, Assam, Tripura and other parts of India. They also shared the BCM’s establishment of two Hospitals and a Nursing College in the southern part of the state where a few healthcare facilities are available.

Taking the opportunity of their audience with the Governor, the BCM leaders expressed their disapproval of the central government’s executions of certain programs such as examinations and elections on Sunday. They appealed to the Governor that the spirit of secularism should be upheld as envisaged by the Founding Fathers of Our Constitution and that the sentiment of any religion must be respected. To clarify the doubt, the Governor explained the reason for organizing important events like exams and the election has nothing to do with religion and it is rather due to the requirement of large space which is otherwise unavailable on working days.

In the meeting with the Governor, the BCM leadership was represented by Rev Dr Zolawma, President Elect, BCM, Rev Dr R.Lalthanmawia, Executive Secretary, Aizawl, Rev T.Lalsangvunga, Pastor, Central Church pastorate andRev K.Lalbiakchhawna, Bawngkawn pastorate.