179/2023-2024

Dated Aizawl, 15th August, 2023: The 77th India Independence Day, 2023 is successfully celebrated in Aizawl at 8:00 in the morning at Aizawl Lammual ground. Pu Zoramthanga, Chief Minister graced the function as Chief Guest and unfurled the national Flag.

On this momentous occasion convey his warm greetings and felicitations to the people of Mizoram, to all countrymen and to all Indians across the world. He also asked recall with gratitude and reverence, the selfless service and sacrifice of the great leaders of our Freedom Movement and the countless contribution of innumerable ordinary men and women, many of whom gave their lives, to end more than 200 years of colonial servitude. On that occasion, he also saluted the valour and commitment of our Mizo warrior-patriots and pay homage to everyone who contributed to Free India.

The Chief Guest also stated that Mizoram, along with the rest of the nation, is on a steady path of progress. In the last four and half years, we faced many challenges, but with the unwavering support and strong cooperation from all sections of the society, we have been able to overcome most hurdles. Despite the crippling effects of the pandemic on all sectors, we have strived hard to make notable achievements to bring favourable changes in the lives of our people.

As we are all aware, it is indeed a matter of great pride and honour that our country is currently holding the Presidency of the prestigious G-20 and to make India’s Presidency a stellar success, various meetings and events are being organised in different cities during this year. Mizoram was privileged to host a G-20, B-20 (Business-20) Conference on 2nd March, 2023 themed - ‘India Initiatives in the North East - Conference on opportunities for multilateral business partnerships in Urban Planning, Infrastructure, Bamboo, Startups, Skill Development, Nursing and Paramedics’, where delegates from over 17 countries participated. We are hopeful that this Conference will help foster and create economic partnerships that will enhance Mizoram’s progress.

Meanwhile, the entire country has been deeply pained by the violent ethnic conflict which erupted in our neighbouring state of Manipur on 4th May, 2023. The series of unfortunate and deplorable incidents which have unfolded since then, have deeply aggrieved the entire Mizo society. Since the very start of the political and ethnic turmoil in our immediate neighbourhood, the State Government has kept a close watch and has taken a number of steps for the safety and security of Mizos who were stuck in Imphal, particularly students of various disciplines. The State Government also took up relief and rehabilitation measures immediately for the internally displaced from Manipur, who have sought shelter in our state.

The State Government spent more than Rs. 36 lakh to airlift and evacuate 264 residents of Mizoram, who were still residing in Imphal in the initial days of the violence. According to official records, about 12,509 internally displaced persons since then have arrived in Mizoram (as on 18.07.2023). Relief camps have been set up in Aizawl and some districts to house the displaced people. More than 2388.50 quintals of foodgrain has been distributed to those affected. It is heartening to witness how the civil society, NGOs, church bodies and individuals have contributed immensely both in cash and in kind. The State Government has allocated Rs. 5 crore for their relief and rehabilitation. Besides, we have requested the Central Government to sanction at least Rs. 10 crore for providing bare necessities to these displaced people from Manipur who are seeking refuge in Mizoram.

Some points of the Chief Guest speech are as follows and detail is uplaoded at Inforamation and Public Relations Department website - https://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/post/speech-of-the-honble-chief-minister-pu-zoramthanga-on-the-77th-independence-day-at-ar-ground-aizawl-on-15th-august-2023

1. The general law and order situation in the state during the past year till today remains peaceful due to the pro-active role and constant monitoring by Mizoram Police. To ensure that international border areas are secure from anti-national elements, the Mizoram Police, in collaboration with border guarding forces like BSF and Assam Rifles, also conducts patrolling in these areas.

Fund amounting to Rs. 3.20 crore for construction of DIG (Nothern Range) Office at PHQ Complex, Khatla, Aizawl and Rs. 6.90 crore for provision of water supply at 3rd IR. Bn. Headquarters, Thingkah, Lawngtlai District were received from Govt. of India under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure (SASCE) Scheme. Fund amounting to Rs. 223.71 lakh for construction of Battalion Company Headquarters at Vairengte, Mizoram was also given under SEDP. Rs. 6.00 lakh was received for horizontal extension of Saitual Police Station for accommodation of SDPO Office, Saitual. In its tireless combat, Mizoram Police seized huge quantities of illicit drugs and narcotic substances worth Rs. 2077.68 crore approximately (as on 14.7.2023) in international market, for which 1,900 criminal cases had been registered and 610 persons involved were arrested. Since its inception in the year 2020, the total amount of money recovered/put on hold by Cyber Crime PS is Rs. 36,75,268/- and out of 64 accused persons arrested in connection with cyber crime cases, 18 persons have been convicted. To mark the 37th Anniversary of Remna Ni, Mizoram Police donated 407 units of blood.

2. I am proud to say that the Lunglei Fire Station bagged the ‘Subash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puruskar, 2023’ awarded by the Ministry of Home Affairs for exemplary bravery in facing disaster and danger. For three days, the firemen at the Lunglei Fire Station had tirelessly battled the spreading forest fires, which threatened to engulf Lunglei town during 24-26 April, 2021. Mizoram Fire & Emergency Services officials received the award, carrying Rs. 51 lakh and Certificate, from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 10th March, 2023. 3. The Mizoram Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS) project, initiated by the Finance Department, has been implemented w.e.f. April, 2023 in 12 out of 13 Treasuries, covering more than 700 Drawing and Disbursing Officers. It is being implemented through the Fiscal Management Unit Cell and aims to establish a centralized system for handling financial information. The IFMIS replaces manual process by automating financial operations, such as budgeting, accounting, procurement and pay roll. It has enhanced transparency, efficiency, and accountability in financial management practices. The centralized system will enable better control, monitoring, and timely reporting, resulting in improved accuracy and effectiveness of financial data management in Mizoram. At present, out of the 705 DDOs spread across the State, 658 DDOs managed to submit salary bill through IFMIS, which is considered a remarkable achievement. Out of 12 modules intended to be rolled out, 10 modules have been used after successfully completing the User Acceptance Test (UAT). Remaining Modules, ie. Debt Management Module and Pension Management Module are under development stage and are expected to be completed soon.

4. A total of Rs 67.95 crore has been recommended as State Matching Share (SMS) by Planning & Programme Implementation Department, Government of Mizoram for 36 nos. of CSS implemented by different departments of the State, during the year 2023-24 (as on 08.07.2023). The State Government has performed well in implementing the projects under NEC in comparison to all other states in the North-East. For the financial year 2022-23, 11 new projects, amounting to Rs 62.81 crore, have been approved under NEC for Mizoram. There are a total of 17 ongoing projects under North-East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) being implemented by the State with a total project cost of Rs. 366.14 crore. Under the North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS), 4 ongoing projects have been sanctioned for Mizoram with a total approved outlay of Rs 189.92 crore. A new Scheme, PM-DevINE was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 with the aim of implementing rapid and holistic development projects. Under the Scheme, a major project ‘The Aizawl By-pass on the Western Side’ amounting to Rs. 500 crore and ‘Pilot Project for Construction of Bamboo Link Road at different locations in various districts in the State of Mizoram’ amounting to Rs. 100 crore were sanctioned.

5. Adequacy in Power & Electricity is another pre-requisite for progress. 20MW Grid Connected Solar Park at Vankal was commissioned on 16th February, 2023, for which relevant infrastructure such as approach road, 132kV Sub-Station, water supply, etc. was completed with an amount of Rs. 2107.15 lakh from State fund. Power generated via the Solar Park is bought back by the State at low cost, while surplus energy is sold out. Under NERPSIP Scheme, PGCIL also constructed 132kV Lungsen to Chawngte Line (30.966 km) and handed it over to Power & Electricity Department on 14.6.2023. On-going Works include 33/11kV Sub-Station at Marpara, 132/33kV Sub-Station at Lawngtlai, 33/11kV Sub-Station at Chite, Augmentation of 132/33kV Sub-Station at Luangmual and 132/33kV Sub-Station at Sihhmui. To provide regular power supply to 16 agricultural lands in various districts, Rs. 11.64 crore from NABARD RIDF-XXVII is being utilised and 95% of the work has been completed. Under NABARD RIDF XXVIII, Rs. 26.00 crore has been received for electrification of 51 more agricultural lands, which is expected to be completed in two years’ time. 10MW Grid Connected Solar Power Plant at Thenzawl, amounting to Rs. 74.82 crore, is also estimated to be completed within 5 years’ time. The power generated here will be solely for the State’s consumption. Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme initiated by the Ministry of Power, steps have been taken up to implement Pre-paid Smart Metering and various infrastructure works for reduction of losses within Aizawl City will be taken up soon.

6. Under the Information & Public Relations Department, various measures are being continuously taken up to boost and promote art, films and fine arts within and outside the state. The NEC funded project ‘Lianchhiari Run (A Multi Facility Centre at Tuikual A, Aizawl) was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah on 1st April, 2023. The Centre is being furnished and will shortly be operational, with facilities such as mini theatre, art gallery, exhibition space, multi-level vehicles parking etc. for public use. With the recruitment of 4 (four) new MIS officers and their subsequent posting to the new Districts, the Department now functions in all the 11 Districts. 2 (two) Mizo filmmakers were sent to the world famous Cannes Film Festival in May, 2023. Under Mizoram Journalist Welfare Scheme, 47 journalists and their dependents were provided medical assistance and families of 2 (two) journalists, who passed away, were given ex-gratia of Rs. 1.5 lakh each. 140 journalists were given accreditation credentials in April 2023.

The Mizoram Lokayukta hosted and sponsored 30 various anti-corruption awareness campaigns in collaboration with various NGOs to make the public vigilant about corruption and its detrimental effects. Today, at the end of four and half years, I look back on the work of my government with a certain sense of pride and satisfaction. It has, indeed, been a humbling journey for me. Much has been done and achieved, yet much more is left to be done in all areas. We must work harder to gather and mobilise our resources to ensure all-round development of our state and its people. On today’s joyous occasion, I once again express my sincere gratitude to the people of Mizoram, all NGOs and religious institutions for your faith and confidence in the government and for your support and co-operation in its endeavours. The commitment and resolve of the civil society as well as brave individuals to aid the government to counter recent humanitarian problems is indeed commendable. I appreciate the sincerity and professional sagacity of the government servants; and I would also like to thank media persons and all the central government institutions operating in Mizoram for your contribution and endless support. As we celebrate our country’s independence and revel in its glorious achievements, let us take a solemn pledge to re-dedicate ourselves to work for the unity, peace and harmony of the nation. Let us continue to strive towards greater heights for our country and the state of Mizoram with new clarity and dedication.

Various felicitations/Awards were given to the following government servants on this Day with recipients as follows:

Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation, 2023 is awarded to Sub Inspector Lalnuntluanga, Lunglei Police Station.

President’s Police Medal for Distinguised Service:

Pu R. Vanlalduata, MPS, Assistant CO, 1st Bn. MAP

Police Medal for Meritorious Service:

1) Pu Lalhuliana Fanai, IPS, DIGP CID, Mizoram

2) Pu H. Lalduata, MPS, Dy. SP, Security

3) Pu R. Lalrumliana, ADM/Inspector, 2nd Bn MAP

Governor’s Gold Medal:

1) Zothantluangi Chenhrang, Sub-Inspector, Commissionerate of Excise & narcotics, Aizawl

2) C. Ramnunmawii, Inspector, Lunglei, DEF

3) Pu H. Vanlalthanga, Inspector, Champhai DEF

4) R.L.H Dingzela, Sub-Inspector, Security

5) Pradip Kumar barman, Havildar, PTS, Thenzawl

6) F. Zohmangaiha, Havildar, PTS, Thenzawl.

Governor’s Silver Medal

1) Sakhawthanga ralte, Constable, Assistant Commissioner of Excise & Narcotics, Aizawl.

2) Lalrinliani, Constable, Commissionerate of Excise & Narcotics, Aizawl

3) Rozamliani Sailo, Sub-Inspector (M), MPRO

4) K. Lalmuanpuia, Sub-Inspector, Security.

5) H. Lalthlanfela, Asst. Sub-Inspector, CID (SB)

6) F. Lalchhuankima, Head Constable, Serchhip, DEF

7) Sahendra Paswan, Hon. Head Constable, Traffic

8) Rajesh Thapa, Havildar, 4th IR BN.

9) PC Lalthawhpuia, Constable, 4th IR Bn.

State Awards to Teachers, 2023

1) Lalnunhluna, Lecturer, Govt. Mizo Higher Secondary School, Aizawl, Aizawl District

2) F. Lalhmangaihthanga, Headmaster, Govt. High School, Lunglei, Lunglei District.

3) Lalthianghlima, Headmaster, Govt. Middle School-I, Dinthar, Aizawl District, Aizawl.

4) Lalengliana Chawnghlut, Headmaster, Govt. P/S-II, East Lungdar, Serchhip District.

Parade Contingents were also given the following awards as follows:

1)Parade Commander: Pu Rishi Kumar, IPS

2)Asst. parade Commander: Pu Tikam Singh Verma, IPS

Armed Contingent –

1st Prize - 2nd AR

2nd Prize - 5th IR Bn

3rd Prize - 225 Bn. CRPF

Unarmed Contingent –

1st Prize - 1st BN MAP English Medium School Bharat Scout & Guide

2nd Prize - No 1 Platoon 1st Mizoram Bn. NCC

3rd Prize - No 1 Platoon 20 Mizoram Bn. NCC

School Contingent –

1st Prize - Government Mizo High School

2nd Prize - Government J.L Higher Secondary School

3rd Prize - St. Paul’s Higher Secondary School

Band Parties Participation Prizes–

1) 2 Assam Rifles Pipe Band

2) 1st Bn. MAP Brass Band

3)  3rd MAP Pipe Band