39/2025-2026

Aizawl, the 30^th April 2025 : National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Full Commission who are on a four day tour of Mizoram today held a review meeting at the Secretariat Conference, MINECO at the state capital Aizawl Hall regarding safeguards and developmental programmes for Scheduled Tribes in Mizoram. Chairperson NCST Shri Antar Singh Arya, Members of the Commission - Shri Nirupam Chakma, Dr. Asha Lakra leh Shri Jatothu Hussain attended the meeting. Chief Secretary  Shri Khilli Ram Meena and other senior officials of the state government highlighted the status of Mizoram with respect to welfare and development of tribals in the state as well as status of various schemes being implemented under central and state governments.

NCST Chairperson Shri Antar Singh Arya in his observation noted the need to popularize Hindi in the state and  urged the state administration to undertake steps in this regard. He also noted the need to do away with prevalent system of jhum cultivation being practiced by farmers in the state and suggested framing a pilot project to introduce alternate systems of cultivation which are less environmental impacts. NCST Member Shri Nirupam Chakma gave short brief on the background, duties and mandates of the Commission and also gave his observations on the status of tribals in the southern part of the state and the border areas. NCST Member Dr. Asha Lakra highlighted her observations on health, education and the status of women.

Chief Secretary Shri Khilli Ram Meena said that since 94.45 percent of the state’s population belong to the ST category all government schemes and programmes are focused towards the welfare, development and well being of tribals. DGP Anil Shukla reported that in the last three years no reports on atrocities against STs have been filed.

Senior officials of state government gave a presentation highlighted the status of STs and the various development schemes being implemented.

After the meeting, NCST Chairman and Members interacted with the press in a press conference at the same venue and planted trees in the precincts of the Secretariat Complex.