Dear fellow citizens and friends,
On this solemn day of Independence, I extend my warm greetings and felicitations to all the people of Mizoram, and my fellow countrymen in India and abroad.
Today, on this auspicious day of Independence, I pay my respects to all those who gave up their lives, who spent their youth in prisons, who embraced the gallows, who instilled the spirit of non-violence for the freedom of the country. Today, I also salute the numerous people who have contributed towards the peace, prosperity and security of the country, to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people and for the development of Independent India.
Today, as we celebrate this joyous day of independence, we are facing unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic across the country and I am sure that we shall prevail if everyone follows precautionary measures and adheres to advisories. People in several parts of the country, and even within our state of Mizoram, are facing difficulties due to heavy rainfall, landslides, floods and earthquakes. Many have lost their dear ones and their property. I express my condolences to them. The State Governments, the Central Government and other organizations like NDRF are striving day and night to ease the hardships faced by the affected people.
WHO declared COVID-19, a pandemic on 11th March, 2020. The government straightaway took up active measures to counter COVID-19 and on the same day itself, the State Level Task Force was formed, followed by the constitution of District Level Task Force and Village and Local Level Task Forces on COVID-19. The Government set up a number of Task Groups to deal with various issues related to the pandemic.
Ministry of Home Affairs (Disaster Management Division) declared COVID-19 as a notified disaster on 14.03.2020 and accorded permission for use of State Disaster Response Fund towards COVID-19 containment and mitigation. Accordingly, SDRF norms were modified so that funds could be used for quarantine facilities, sample collection and screening and procurement of medicines and medical equipments.
The situation of COVID-19 pandemic necessitated nationwide lockdown. During the first phase of the Lockdown, the Government chartered an Air India flight at a cost of Rs.16.23 lakhs for transportation of materials necessary for the containment and spread of COVID-19. To ensure faster testing of samples by RT-PCR machine, an Automated RNA Extractor costing Rs.26.69 lakhs was procured. Health & Family Welfare Department has been sanctioned funds to the tune of Rs.3.48 crores from State Disaster Response Fund to meet the challenges posed by the pandemic. Further, a total sum of Rs.5.56 crores has been released to 11 District Disaster Management Authorities/Deputy Commissioners to meet quarantine related expenditure and for the welfare of stranded migrants.
Mizoram was among the first states to announce partial Lockdown before the announcement of the nationwide Total Lockdown by the Central Government. The relevant provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 were invoked and all entry points into Mizoram including Lengpui Airport were closed on 23rd March, 2020 to prevent any import and spread of COVID-19. Following the Lockdown, COVID-19 State Control Room was established immediately at ATI, MINECO. All District Emergency Operation Centres were activated to function 24 X 7.
Zoram Medical College (ZMC) Hospital was declared a dedicated Covid Hospital on 4th April, 2020. ICMR-approved COVID-19 RT-PCR Testing Laboratory was established at ZMC on 7th April, 2020. Subsequently, PCR TRUENAT Covid Testing facility for COVID-19 was also established at Civil Hospital, Lunglei on 12th June, 2020. The government has taken initiatives to establish PCR TRUENAT Covid Testing facility in all districts. Covid Care Centres and Dedicated Covid Health Centres have been set up at every district to treat and manage Covid patients. All District Hospitals are designated as Sample Collection Centres for Covid PCR testing.
For the prevention and containment of the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 in Mizoram, the Mizoram Epidemic Diseases (COVID-19) Regulations, 2020 was enacted on 25th of March, 2020 and the Mizoram (Containment & Prevention of COVID-19) Ordinance, 2020 was also promulgated on the 3rd of May 2020.
Among the first actions that the Government of Mizoram took was the setting up of fever screening to rule out COVID-19 symptoms at state and international borders, and at Lengpui Airport, which was one of the first airports in the country to conduct COVID-19 screening. Bullet Thermal Bi-Spectrum Camera has also been procured by the Health Department as well as 4 nos. of Stand Alone thermal scanners. All quarantined persons at quarantine facilities, set up in every district are being regularly monitored by Medical Teams.
Quarantine facilities to house suspected cases of COVID-19 and also more than 15,600 residents of Mizoram who returned from various parts of the country were set up in all the Districts, including 243 government quarantine facilities. A large number of community quarantine facilities were also established. All inmates were provided free food and lodging and closely monitored by medical teams. Besides the government, the local churches have also immensely contributed to providing quarantine facilities along with daily meals to all persons quarantined at these facilities. We must commend the efforts of thousands of volunteers of the Village and Local Level Task Forces who have worked selflessly in the fight against the pandemic.
It is heartening that a large number of individuals, organizations, churches and various associations of government servants have made monetary contributions to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for COVID-19 mitigation. The Council of Ministers decided that the funds thus contributed be used for the fight against COVID-19. Till today, this Fund is being utilized very purposefully.
A sum of Rs. 3.22 crores received from PM-CARES has been utilized for bringing home stranded residents, sending migrant labourers and stranded visitors home and for logistics.
Information & Public Relations Department conceptualized several talk-shows on matters relating to COVID-19 and these have been widely disseminated through AIR, DDK, local cable TV channels and social media platforms.
In the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, the state had to confront more challenges due to the series of earthquakes, which rocked eastern part of the state bordering Myanmar since 21st June, 2020, with the largest tremor measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale. The series of tremors caused extensive damages within Champhai District; fortunately no precious lives were lost but more than 283 houses and buildings suffered damages to the tune of Rs.316.35 lakhs.
The frequency of these earthquakes has created fear, panic and psychological trauma in the minds of the people in the affected areas. Disaster Management & Rehabilitation Department teamed up with Psychology Department of Mizoram University and conducted psychological guidance and counselling clinics in 30 affected villages within Champhai and Serchhip Districts. To ensure prompt action in case the need arises, State Disaster Response Force personnel have been stationed at Dungtlang. Experts have conducted awareness programmes in more than 15 affected villages. Search and rescue equipments and first aid kits have been given to various Village Disaster Management Committees. Three teams of doctors from the Health & Family Welfare Department also visited the affected villages to offer their services.
In this regard, all Emergency Operation Centres under DDMAs are functioning 24X7 to meet any exigencies due to earthquakes and they have been instructed to remain alert continually and keep search and rescue equipments on standby.
We are committed to the successful implementation of the ‘Socio-Economic Development Policy’ (SEDP), which aims at accelerating progress in key sectors and transforming Mizoram into a welfare state by achieving self-sufficiency in food items, improving the social life and general well-being of the people.
The Mizoram State Planning Board (MSPB) is the appointed apex body for matters relating to Socio-Economic Development Programme. In 2019-20, out of the budget provision of Rs.750.00 crore, a total of Rs.561.62 crores has been allocated to various Departments for the implementation of SEDP. Despite the hardships and challenges due to the pandemic, SEDP Boards are working relentlessly to attain the objectives of the flagship programme. Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (EDS) under the direction of the Mizoram State Entrepreneurship Development Monitoring Committee (MEDMOC) is also going on full swing. Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme has been conducted in most of the districts, in partnership with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park.
Under the State flagship programme of SEDP, Agriculture Department has prepared strategic plan for increased crop production programme. Cultivation of maize on a large scale as well as cultivation of pulses like Arhar, Soyabean, Field pea and Rajma is being taken up under SEDP. Under Soil Health Card Scheme, 26 model villages have been selected and 445 Soil samples have been collected and tested. Under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, 1,32,635 farmers have been enrolled. 99 nos of farmers have been registered under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhaan Yojana’. The Agriculture Department (Crop Husbandry) has also launched a Mobile Application ‘Loneitu’ for farmers to give them information on the cultivation of various crops, the maximum requirement for seeds and the protection of crop from pest infestation and other related information required by the farmers.
Under SEDP, the Horticulture Department has started the Model Bamboo Plantation at Lengpui and Hmunpui village covering 209 beneficiaries. 79,000 poly-potted saplings have been planted so far by these beneficiaries. More than Rs.200 lakhs was earned from off-season cultivation of Tomato this year with a production of 4,050qtls approx. generating considerable number of employment. Large scale cultivation of Tomato in Tuipui cluster of Khawzawl Horticulture Division is one of the showpieces of recent Horticulture development in the state. Also, farmers’ income is estimated to the tune of Rs.238.00 lakhs from the production of off-season Cabbage only during 2019-2020.During the pandemic COVID-19 Lockdown, Horticulture Department was the Nodal Department for Vegetable & Fruit Supply Chain formulated by the government along with Commerce & Industries Department and MIZOFED. The approximate value of vegetables and fruits sold and distributed during total lockdown through Horticulture Department and direct distribution by farmers to the consumers was around Rs.6.66 crores. The COVID-19 Vegetables & Fruits Supply Chain constituted by the government truly helped the people in getting a normal supply of essential vegetables and fruits during the total lockdown and also helping farmers in earning a steady income.
In order to ease the difficulties faced by the farmers, Fisheries Department has distributed 50.12 lakh nos. of common carp fish seeds at 50% subsidized rates, and another 20 lakh nos. of Major Carp seeds will be distributed. To meet the fish feed requirement, 6265 quintals is being made available for purchase by fish farmers at 50% subsidised rates. Under CSS (RKVY & Blue Revolution), 7 nos. of Carp hatchery has been constructed to cover Lawngtlai, Lunglei, Champhai, Mamit and Serchhip. Assistance has been given to 150 nos. of beneficiaries for construction of fingerling rearing area, covering a total area of 30.00 ha. Also, 1(one) mini ice plant is being constructed at Champhai district.
Development of Eri-Sericulture for the Upliftment of Aspirational District at Mamit was one of the four Sericulture projects launched under the Ministry of Textiles and a total of Rs.11.56 crores for Development of Sericulture in Mizoram covering 500 Beneficiaries was approved. The project is being implemented with full swing.
The government has taken several concrete steps to strengthen the internal law and order system. During this year 2020, there has been no major law and order problem in the state of Mizoram due to the efficiency of Mizoram Police. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in the country and implementation of lockdown in the state, the Mizoram Police has been tirelessly working to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state. Around 3000 Mizoram Police personnel are currently deployed for various COVID-19 related duties, such as international and inter-state border sealing, contact tracing of COVID-19 patients, security of quarantine facilities and law and order for enforcement of the lockdown guidelines.
Two police outposts at Zokhawthar OP and Dungtlang OP in Champhai District have been upgraded to full-fledged police stations. In addition, the state government has also notified 3 (three) new police outpost namely – Seling police outpost, North Kanghmun police outpost and Lengpui Airport police outpost. Due to the initiatives of the Police Reforms Committee, Mizoram Police has been selected among 6 states in the country for grant of incentives amounting to Rs. 25.81 crores by Ministry of Home Affairs. Recently, a Cyber Crime Police Station was inaugurated on 22nd May, 2020 and a Canine Squad comprising of 8 highly trained dogs was also inducted on 21st July, 2020. Under Fire & Emergency Services, Bawngkawn Fire Station was made functional and ready 24x7 to respond to emergency calls.
As road connectivity plays a vital role in development, available funds have been allotted for the construction and maintenance of roads under the Public Works Department. During the last working season, formation cutting of 452 Km, black topping of 330.96 Km, cement concrete pavement of 87.920 Km and rehabilitation and resurfacing of 607 Km have been completed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the progress of several important projects has been hampered but the government is doing its best on the connectivity front with available resources.
In addition to Central Government, several funds have been received from various other sources such as World Bank, Asian Development Bank, NABARD and SEDP for road construction and maintenance. Most of the cement concrete pavement and resurfacing works are executed from the fund received from SEDP. A total of 172 nos. of road connectivity projects are being undertaken.
The State Government has prioritized connectivity with the neighbouring country Myanmar, bridges crossing Chhimtuipui and Tiau River are also planned and proposed to be constructed. The Central Government has already approved this proposal and DPR for the four major roads connecting Mizoram and Myanmar have been already submitted and sanction is awaited while one major road connecting Mizoram and Myanmar is already approved by the NEC. Construction of double-lane National Highway-54 from Zemabawk to Tuipang along with Lailapur to Aizawl is being undertaken by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.
During the year 2019-2020, 7 bridge constructions were completed and the two major bridges over River Serlui on Bilkhawthlir-Saiphai Road and over River Tuivawl on Saitual-Phullen Road were also completed. During the year 2019-2020, a total of 32 building projects were completed and there are 45 nos. of ongoing building projects.
During 2019-2020, the Power & Electricity Department completed augmentation of 132kV Zuangtui Sub-Station, construction of 33kV tower line from Aibawk to Sialsuk, construction of 100kW Micro Hydel Projects each at Tuiriza near Phullen and Tuiching near Hrianghmun, construction of 132kV Sub-Station, Sihhmui and 33kV Sub-Station, Kawmzawl and construction of 33/11kV Sub-Stations at Rabung, Khawlailung, Mualthuam North, Tawipui North, Bualpui Ng and Phura under the Rural Electricity Distribution Backbone (REDB) scheme. Under the state flagship programme of SEDP, projects such as 2MW Tlungvel Solar Plant, 132kV line Sihhmui to Airport Road, Improvement of 132kV lines from Bukpui to Khawzawl via E.Lungdar, purchase of 2 Standby 132/33kV & 12.5MVA Power Transformers and spare Distribution Transformers, construction of 33kV line from Maumual to Aizawl Power House Complex, 33kV Indoor Sub-Station, construction of 2nd Evacuation line of 60MW Tuirial HEP, etc. are being taken up.
The Public Health Engineering Department has provided 15941 Functional House Tap Connections covering 228 villages within the State during 2019-2020 under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), 313 Community Sanitary Complexes have been constructed in various villages along National Highway. Meanwhile, 169 Solid Waste Management Units or dumping grounds were constructed at various places, 308 plastic and bottle collection centres were constructed for recycling purpose and 6 plastic bailing machines were procured. 7 water supply schemes including solar pumping have been completed and another 13 Water Supply Schemes are also being taken up under NABARD. The Department has recorded as much as 1,02,020 House Water Connections under Urban areas while 28717 House Water Connections have also been provided under Rural areas during last year.
I am proud to say that Mizoram continues to come out at the top among the smaller states for its exemplary performance on Health issues. With the approval of Power Finance Corporation, construction of 100-Bedded District Hospital-In Patient Department (IPD) Block at Mamit is on the anvil. The Ministry of DoNER has conveyed sanction of Rs.1616.26 lakhs under North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme for comprehensive response to possible outbreak of COVID-19 in Mizoram. The project includes purchase of medical equipment and instruments.
In order to ensure proper disposal of hospital waste at Civil Hospital, Aizawl, construction of 2 nos. of Bio-Digesters, amounting to Rs.50 lakhs have been successfully completed. For improvement & upgradation of Cobalt Therapy Unit at Zemabawk, Aizawl, high-tech equipments are being procured and installed. At the initiative of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Trauma Centres are being established at the Civil Hospitals at Aizawl, Lunglei, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Serchhip, Champhai and Kolasib. In addition to the Central Grant, the state government has also allocated an amount of Rs.450 lakhs and Rs.300 lakhs for construction of Trauma Centres at the Aizawl Civil Hospital and Lunglei Civil Hospital respectively.
In order to scale up Comprehensive Primary Health Care, the Govt. of Mizoram under National Health Mission (NHM) has set a target to convert existing 378 health facilities, i.e. 313 Sub-Centres & 65 Primary Health Centres into ‘Health & Wellness Centres’ by 2022. During 2019-2020, 102 Health facilities (60 PHCs & 42 Sub Centres) have already been converted. Number of maternal deaths in Mizoram has also declined from 26 deaths during 2018-19 to 13 deaths during 2019-20.
The Government of Mizoram has given due focus and priority for the development of School Education. The education sector has been one of the hardest hit due to the pandemic as schools have been closed for more than four months. Online teaching is being promoted to the extent possible but challenges remains. Special Eradication of Illiteracy Project (SEIP) under SEDP in view of the National Census 2021 is to be implemented by covering all Districts of Mizoram to occupy 1st Position for literacy rate in India. Teachers’ Training Complex at Lunglei is being constructed amounting to Rs.1040 lakhs and more than 65% of works is completed. Hostels for Higher Secondary School Buildings at Lawipu, Aizawl have been constructed amounting to Rs.520.48 lakhs. Under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan programme, upgradation of Govt. Kawlbem H/S and Govt. Lungsen H/S to HSS (Arts) and addition of Science Stream for Govt. Mamit HSS, Govt. Saitual HSS, Govt. Hnahthial HSS and Govt. Region HSS were also approved. Upgradation of Silsury Upper Primary School to High School was also approved. Opening of 4 Arts Streams at Govt. East Phaileng H/S, Govt. Phuaibuang H/S, Govt. Sialsuk H/S, Govt. Blue Mountain H/S, Sangau as well as addition of Science Stream at Govt. Vairengte H/S and Govt. Darlawn H/S is also being taken up which will upgrade these schools to Higher Secondary Schools. For the year 2020-2021, 1,02,983 students were given free text books, amounting to Rs.313.33 lakhs.
The Higher & Technical Education Department has established Mizoram Engineering College at Pukpui, Lunglei District under RUSA. Infrastructure Grants to 13 Colleges as well as Grants for upgradation of Govt. Colleges at Hnahthial and Saiha, Govt. J.Thankima College and Govt. Mamit College to Model Degree Colleges were received and fully utilised. Construction of 19 College buildings, Women Hostel at Govt. Aizawl North College and Water Harvesting Tank for Govt. Mamit College, construction of 2 Water Harvesting Tanks for Govt. Champhai College and Stone Masonry Wall for Govt. Serchhip College were completed.
The Land Revenue & Settlement Department, in order to provide an efficient and transparent mechanism for maintenance of land records, conduct survey, allotment and settlement of lands in a fair, public participatory and transparent manner is developing e-RAM software. Amendment of ‘The Mizoram (Land Revenue) Act, 2013’ and ‘The Mizoram (Land Revenue) Rules, 2013’ were made to streamline and improve the procedure of survey, allotment and settlement of land as well as reduce land disputes and litigation without affecting the tax payers. During the Financial Year 2019-2020, the Revenue Department collected Rs.7,24,00,620/- under State’s Own Tax and Rs.1,56,15,939/- under the State’s Own Non-Tax Revenue.
Hazard, Risk & Vulnerability Analysis (HRVA) of 8 district headquarters of Mizoram was carried out to quantify disaster risk levels and propose solutions for mitigation. A 3-D digital terrain mapping and modelling of Mizoram was done for planning, management and formulating developmental programmes. The digital database generated through this project would also form a platform for evolving effective implementation strategies of projects in Mizoram. Meteorological observation stations were installed in 8 district headquarters of Mizoram in collaboration with Directorate of Economics and Statistics. These stations will provide reliable meteorological data for farmers, climate change scenario analysis, infrastructure development, research scholar, etc.
The government is aware that the Autonomous District Councils must progress to achieve inclusive development. Towards this end, a number of developmental initiatives are underway in each of the three ADC, besides Sinlung Hills Council.
There are 36 on-going Minor Irrigation Projects under ‘Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Har Khet ko Pani’ at a total estimated cost of Rs.4246.92 lakhs, which will benefit 1055 farmers. In the ranking of all implementing agencies issued by the Central Government on 7th January, 2020, Mizoram is fortunate and proud to be ranked at the 1st Position amongst the N.E States in implementation of National Hydrology Project. Memorandum of Agreement has been signed between Government of Mizoram and University of Minnesota, USA, which will facilitate trainings both in the USA and India and to conduct joint studies under this Project.
The Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change has continued to implement major schemes and programmes despite the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. These include the National Afforestation Programme, Climate Change, Green India Mission, Forest Fire Prevention & Management Schemes, Preservation of Wildlife and Biodiversity, Green Mizoram Programme and Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management & Planting Authority.
With the support of Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Local Administration Department is implementing Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), which aims to strengthen institutional infrastructure support, e-Enablement of Panchayat/Village Council as well as provide citizen-centric service through co-location of Common Service Centres at VC Houses.
The Tourism Department successfully organised the FAI CAT II International Paragliding Accuracy Championship 2020 at Serchhip, which was the first ever in India and attracted participants from all over the world. The Department is currently implementing two projects funded by Ministry of Tourism, namely ‘Integrated Development of New Eco-Tourism Destination under Swadesh Dharshan-North East Circuit at Thenzawl, S. Zote and Reiek’ and ‘Development of Eco-Adventure Circuit under Eco Circuit Theme of Swadesh Dharshan’. Construction of State Institute of Hotel Management at Bung Bangla, Adventure Theme Park and a typical Mizo Village ‘Zokhua’ at Reiek has been completed this year. Construction of Thenzawl Golf Course under Central Swadesh Darshan Scheme has been completed. It may be noted that the Thenzawl golf course is the first and only golf course funded by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
The revenue collection achieved by the Taxation Department for the financial year of 2020-2021 (upto June, 2020) from SGST & IGST, Professional Tax, MVAT, etc is Rs.9790.05 lakhs. To prevent loss of revenue, the Department has established Data Collection Centre at Vairengte Check-gate.
During 2019-2020, the actual revenue collected by Transport Department from various sources was Rs. 4945.84 lakhs. During 2019-20, 31,753 vehicles were registered in the nine DTO offices and 12,833 nos. of Driving License were issued.
The Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs Department provides support to 28,718 beneficiaries, such as the elderly, widows and disabled persons, under the National Social Assistance Programme. State-wide Disability Survey has been done and 2213 Unique Disability ID Cards have been generated in all the districts. The Department has issued 1915 Senior Citizen ID Cards and also runs an Old Age Home located at Luangmual. The State Government has allocated funds amounting to Rs.920.27 lakhs from SEDP for establishment of Jordan Rehabilitation Centre for comprehensive drug treatment services, with expected accommodation capacity of 1000 (both male & female) inmates on completion.
The Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) Department initiated innovative programme called ‘PAHOSS’ (Parking House Support Scheme), which aims at decongestion of road and traffic through provision of assistance for construction of Parking House within Aizawl City is being implemented smoothly. As of May, 2020, 313 eligible beneficiaries have been approved for funding with an expected additional parking capacity of 4691 cars/LMV or 28146 two wheelers. Under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Mizoram is currently ranked No.2 in the whole country. The Department has identified 29361 families as eligible beneficiaries under the Housing for All Scheme. The state’s first Pelican Crossing System to help ease traffic management and aid pedestrian movement was inaugurated recently. Under the Smart City Mission, out of the 78 projects earmarked, Detailed Project Reports for 27 such projects have been made and 10 of the projects have been tendered.
The Rural Development Department continues to play a major part in upliftment and alleviation of poverty in rural areas. With the introduction of the new Border Area Development Programme 2020, an additional 49 villages will be added under BADP operating areas. Under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, covering 8 districts and 57 villages, 2818 water harvesting structures have been made, benefitting 6,037 farmers. Also, around 1,198 hectares of land have been rejuvenated and converted to cultivable land under this scheme. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana has facilitated improvement/rising of water table, and many sources of water which were seasonal have been rejuvenated to become permanent sources or perennial springs.
Under NABARD RIDF-XXIII Scheme, the Land Resources, Soil & Water Conservation Department has created 220 ha. of Rubber Plantation and Development in Mamit District with an expenditure of Rs.108.39 lakhs. Under RKVY, production enhancement and protection works like Water Harvesting, Terracing, series of check-dams, conservation of water harvesting tank, etc. has been done covering Aizawl, Kolasib, Champhai & Lawngtlai District with an expenditure of Rs.75.00 lakhs.
The Directorate of Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship is intensifying efforts for successful implementation of various welfare schemes to secure decent means of livelihood particularly to unorganized workers within Mizoram. During 2019-2020, the number of workers registered under Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board was 29,891. To combat the economic fallout caused by the outbreak of COVID-19, the Board also provided welfare measures to the tune of Rs.21.29 crores, by means of free ration and direct bank transfer of Rs.3000/- to each of its members.
The Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department presently covers 2,72,315 households with 12,40,308 beneficiaries under its Public Distribution System (PDS). The Department undertook sufficient advance stocking of rice for 54 Godowns to which loaded vehicles could not ply during rainy season for the current financial year. The Department has distributed PDS Sugar to 26,013 AAY families at the rate of Rs.24/- per kg. The Department has also conducted site verification of LPG Bottling Plant at Bairabi twice with IOCL officials. The Department is migrating to the new Ration Card Management System Software, which is expected to increase Aadhaar seeding of ration card since the system will not accept ration card without Aadhaar number and therefore, all bogus ration cards will be done away with.
Under Poshan Abhiyaan, Mizoram was awarded First Position in ‘Overall Excellence in Implementation’ (Rs.1.50 Crore cash award & Citation), First Position in ‘ICDS-CAS Implementation’ (Rs.1.00 Crore cash award & Citation) and First Position also in ‘All India Composite Performance Ranking’. The State of Mizoram also ranked 4th Position in implementation of ‘Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana’ (PMMVY) and holds No.1 position in North East Region.
Four new ‘Mahila Shakti Kendra’ - District Level Centre for Women were set up in Aizawl, Lunglei, Kolasib and Lawngtlai Districts. Also, 6 new One Stop Centres were started in Siaha, Champhai, Kolasib, Serchhip, Lawngtlai and Mamit Districts; and new Swadhar Greh Homes were also set up in Aizawl, Lunglei, Siaha, Champhai, Kolasib, Serchhip, Lawngtlai and Mamit Districts.
The Government will leave no stone unturned in its effort to provide the best for the youths and sportspersons in the State. The first ever Mizoram Sports Policy was adopted with a vision to develop a robust culture achieving universal participation and excellence in the highest level of sports. Mizoram is also the first state in India to proclaim 'Sports' as an ‘industry’ on 4th June, 2020. Through various schemes under the Government of India, funds amounting to Rs.354.23 crores for development of sports infrastructure in the state have been obtained till date. The state Government has also sanctioned funds amounting to Rs.17.58 crores for the same. The funds are to be utilized for construction of sports complexes, sports academies, laying of synthetic turfs for football, hockey, etc.
As a first concrete step towards encouraging sports, provision for reservation of upto 5% of vacancies in Group B, C & D posts falling within the direct recruitment quota as per concerned recruitment rules, was reserved to be filled by meritorious sportspersons. Also, out-of-turn promotion can be considered to promote meritorious sportspersons who are regular employees under the Government of Mizoram.
Under the Cooperation Department, construction of Mizoram State Cooperative Union (MSCU) Training Centre at Dawrpui, Aizawl under SEDP is on verge of completion. Recently, MIZOFED Ltd. in collaboration with Horticulture Department flagged off samples of dragon fruit to Delhi. Under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana’ Scheme, 44 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been set up and Rs.581.55 lakhs was sanctioned for the initial purpose. It is expected that Van Dhan Mission will benefit about 2 lakhs people of Mizoram within a short period.
Commerce & Industries Department has constructed 220 Markets all over the state and also mans 3 (three) Checkgates at Vairengte, Kanhmun and Bairabi. The state revenue garnered through these markets and checkgates is a total of Rs.306.15 lakhs for the year 2019-2020. Under the Aizawl SMART City Project, Rs.34.00 crores has been earmarked for construction of Aizawl City Centre at New Market, Dawrpui Veng and with NABARD Loan of Rs.1082.93 lakhs, Agri-Marketing and Training Infrastructure building is being constructed at Lunglei Electric Veng. Various Projects with NEC funding such as Construction of Agriculture Market Building at Hnahthial, Agriculture Market Buildings at Lawngtlai Bazar Veng, Mamit Bazar Veng, Kawrthah & West Phaileng as well as Reconstruction of Lunglei Super Market at Lunglei are being taken up. Zokhawthar Land Customs Station at the Indo-Myanmar Border is soon to be upgraded to an Integrated Check Post, proposal for Zorinpui Land Customs Station is being pursued and the Indo-Bangladesh trade will be boosted up through establishment of Kawrpuichhuah Integrated Check Post.
To combat the COVID-19 outbreak, Mizoram government formed the Committee on Promotion of Locally Manufactured Protective Gears under which, stitching, distribution and sale of masks was taken up diligently with a workforce of about 4000 local designers and tailors. These masks are made according to WHO and MoH&FW approved specifications and all packaging is duly disinfected. Till date, the department has purchased 1,42,525 non-woven masks and has sold/distrubuted 33,365 masks amounting to Rs.4,33,748/- to individuals and government departments.
ICT Department has developed ‘mCovid-19’ system to combat the pandemic COVID-19, which consists of web portal and mobile applications both for iOS and Android platforms. With the help of this system, the state government monitors COVID-19 related matters like Quarantine, Motor Vehicle Pass for Goods and Non-Essential Goods, Inter-District Movement of Vehicles stranded within and outside Mizoram, Task Force Registration, Online CM Relief Fund, etc. ICT Department has also facilitated the installation of mobile towers in 246 locations to cover all uncovered villages in the state. Under BharatNet, 156 villages out of 501 villages have been provided V-SAT internet connectivity. ICT Department has also provided IT infrastructure in 48 schools during 2019-2020.
The Information & Public Relations Department has been at the forefront in the fight against the pandemic since the start of the mitigation and containment process. In this regard, the social media accounts of the Department have played a very important role in informing the people about COVID-19 and in dispelling myths, rumours and fake news. The government has recently enhanced the rates for classified advertisements from the existing rates. This step will help newspapers and other print media to some extent given their high operational costs.
Dear friends, we must strive harder to not only take our state forward but to transform it, to make it reach newer heights and the government and the people have to achieve this collectively and jointly.
Complacency in the face of a global pandemic like Covid-19 is not appropriate and therefore, it is essential that each and every one of us remain alert and cautious. In the coming days of aftermath, tackling primary and vital issues such as health, livelihood, education, food and essential goods, roads and transport as well as security will be very important and challenging. It may not be possible for me to delve thoroughly into all the topics during this speech but let us keep in mind that we must work unitedly for this.
I would like to convey the Government’s gratitude to officials, members of Village/Local Level Task Forces, the various Churches, different NGOs, police and other law enforcing agencies who continue to work tirelessly supplementing the government’s efforts in the fight against the pandemic. The Government and the people of Mizoram also thank the frontline COVID-19 warriors - doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, sample collectors, other medical workers and COVID-19 volunteers who are toiling day and night towards the mitigation and containment of the pandemic. I would also like to express my gratitude to all those who have contributed selflessly to the CM Relief Fund.
I once again take the opportunity to thank the NGOs, the churches and the people of Mizoram for their support and faith in our government. Today, let us re-dedicate ourselves towards nurturing, safeguarding and strengthening the ideals of our brave freedom fighters and nation builders, whose sacrifice should not go in vain. As globally, countries are gripped with several insecurities, let us continue to work tirelessly and valiantly for peace and security alongwith development in Mizoram.
KA LAWM E.
JAI HIND.
