No.1855/2021-2022

Dear fellow citizens and friends,

On this auspicious day, I convey my best wishes to the people of Mizoram, as well as our brothers and sisters across the country. India celebrates the anniversaryof our Independence Day on 15th August every year to honour the bravehearts, who had sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom and still remain an inspiration to us.

I also extend Independence Day greetings to our fellow citizens abroad, who have succeeded in different walks of life, and our sportspersons, who have won laurels for themselves and for India. My special greetings to all the members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces and the police, who usually celebrate festivals away from their families. If today we lie peacefully in our beds at home, it is because of their alert vigil and prompt action towards maintaining the country’s safety and order in the face of internal as well as external adversities.

As India celebrates her Independence Day, the difficult times amid Covid-19 have once again reminded us about the contributions and sacrifices made by doctors and the healthcare staff around the globe daily. Even as the pandemic continues to surge around us this year, let us remain stoic and rise to the occasion, willing to put others before ourselves when necessary.

1. As we all know, the Covid-19 pandemic, which has left even the more advanced countries confounded, has also been sweeping across Mizoram for the last one and a half years. This has taken a huge toll on our state’s resources but fortunately, the strong communal bonding and spirit of fraternity among the Mizo people have cushioned the blow. We are surely comforted by God’s continued protection and grace upon us, and even as we grieve along with the bereaved families, our fervent prayers remain with those who have fallen victims to the pandemic and we wish them all a swift recovery.

My sincere appreciation for all those who have relentlessly worked towards our concerted fight against Covid; indeed, your selfless dedication has been a huge solace to the people of this state. As our forefathers have taught us through the age-old saying - ‘As we live together on the hill, so shall we die together in the valley’- it is indeed heartening to see the combined efforts of the various government departments, VLTF/LLTF, NGOs, churches and medical personnel, so much so that even retired doctors have come forth to volunteer their services in the face of this crisis. Indeed, my heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff who are looking after the Covid patients, ambulance drivers, various volunteers and even the public, who have all carried out their respective responsibilities selflessly.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for the care and concern shown by many responsible citizens through their hearty contributions towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, which has been hugely instrumental in the government’s disbursing of aid whenever and wherever necessary during the pandemic.

As we are all perhaps aware, the third wave of COVID-19 is expected and we are doing our best to be prepared for the worst. Medical experts have forewarned that the third wave may affect children more severely and therefore, special care units of HDU/SICU and NICU have been installed at ZMC; also, DCHC has been installed in the districts.

The vaccination programme is being carried on vigorously since the first vaccine was administered on 26th January 2021, alongwith the rest of the country. As of now, it is estimated that more than 7 and a half lakh (above 18 yrs) need to be vaccinated and more than 80% have already taken the first dose. I urge upon the people of our state to utilise this lifeline and get vaccinated as per guidelines, because our collective health opens the way for our advancement.

Besides implementing various on-going State and Central health schemes, our government has also jointly signed the US $ 40 million ‘Mizoram Health Systems Strengthening Project’ with World Bank on 17th June, 2021, in order to improve management capacity and quality of health services in Mizoram.

2. The government continues to take concrete steps to strengthen internal security. During the past one year, there has been no major law and order problem in the state due to the pro-active measures taken by Mizoram Police. There have been a few incidents along Mizoram-Assam border. However, tensions in these areas were diffused with the deployment of Mizoram Police forces along the interstate border. Moreover, I am happy to announce that Representatives of both Mizoram and Assam Governments signed a ‘Joint Statement’ on 5th August, 2021, whereby it has been agreed to take forward the initiatives taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and Hon’ble Chief Ministers of Assam and Mizoram to remove tensions prevailing around the inter-State borders and to find lasting solutions to the disputes through discussions. I wish to assure the people of our state that no stone will be left unturned in order to promote, preserve and maintain peace and harmonyamongst the people living in Assam and Mizoram, particularly in the border areas.

About a thousand police personnel are deployed for various Covid-19 related duties at international and interstate border, quarantine facilities and Covid Care Centres. Mizoram Police have also successfully performed their Election duties in Bihar, Assam and West Bengal. During the last one year, Rs.197.33 crores worth of illicit drugs and narcotics have been seized.

The Fire & Emergency Services performed a commendable role in fighting the Covid pandemic bysanitizing and disinfecting Quarantine Facility Centres and Covid Care Centres as well as train wagons, passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles entering the state from outside. 3 (three) new Fire Tenders with High Pressure Pump were purchased under SDRF at a cost of Rs.140 lakhs for F&ES Department. Further, Mizoram Forensic & Science Laboratory loaned its Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction instrument (QIACUBE) to Zoram Medical College (ZMC), Falkawn to help the State in its fight against Covid-19.

3. Despite adversities of nature, numerous other challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, our farmers have sustained the agricultural production. Today, I express my sincere admiration and gratitude to our farmers, who have kept us largely self-reliant in vegetables, fruits and dairy products. The people of Mizoram salute them and we remain committed to the welfare of our farmers.

Under Agriculture Department, NABARD fund amounting to Rs.727.00 lakhs was used to boost up Wet Rice Cultivation in available flatlands in 11 districts. Altogether 841 ha. is ready for WRC, with an additional 357 ha. of land improvement done under PMKSY Scheme with a fund of Rs.42.58 lakhs and a bumper harvest of about 1800 mt is expected. Also, 388 nos. of Water Harvesting Structures have been constructed in various districts under PMKSY. Integrated Training Centre (ITC) at Hnahthial has been upgraded to ‘School of Agriculture Science’ and the initial session is scheduled to commence in 2021.

Since the scare of Fall Army Worm (FAW), which destroyed a large number of crops, the State Biological Control Laboratory at KVK, Lengpui is being renovated and strengthened with a sum of Rs.131.88 lakhs from NABARD. Under the PM-KISAN Programme, financial assistance of Rs. 6000/- each is being distributed to149243 nos. of farmer families.

4. The Horticulture Department continues work in its model Bamboo Plantation with Dendrocalamusbrandisii and Dendrocalamussikkimensis (Rawmi) under SEDP, covering total area of 363 Ha till now. Also, during the current year, Govt. of India is promoting exotic fruits and has attached much importance to Dragonfruit cultivation. Known as ‘kamalam’ in India, states interested in taking up dragonfruit cultivation have been seeking our advice, experience and technical guidance, etc.

During the current Covid 2nd wave Lockdown, the Department continues to run its ‘Fruits and Vegetables Supply Chain’to make available fresh localproduce, especiallyin the state capital. Huge volume of tomatoes, brinjal and watermelons produced from different districts are collected and made available to consumers during lockdown. Through the Supply Chain, the income of the farmers had reached Rs.88.90 lakh till the 1st week of July.

5. Despite the serious calamity, the government has tried its best to convert a crisis into an opportunity and we have succeeded in taking forward our activities in many spheres. The pandemic threatened to derail the education process, but institutions and teachers quickly adopted new technology to ensure that there was no break in education. Tuitorial class was conducted for elementary and secondary students through DDK and two private TV channels (LPS & Zonet) during 13th April, 2020 - 31st March, 2021. As many as 291 tuitorial video clips was broadcast and also uploaded on Youtube channel for easy access. One of the important outcomes of the online and tutorial classes was that the School Education Department could successfully conduct High School Leaving Certificate & Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate Examinations, 2021.

Transport/escort facilities were provided to 810 children at elementary and 491 students at secondary schools in remote areas. Escort, transport and Reader allowances were provided to disabled students from classes 1 to XII. Braille stationery materials, aids & appliances and girls’ stipends were also provided to disabled students from classes 1 to XII. Vocational education was implemented in 16 high schools. Free Uniform was provided to 47943 boys and 44759 girls at elementary schools and textbooks were provided to 93252 children at elementary schools free of cost.

6. The Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs continues to tirelessly carry out the vital responsibility of maintaining uninterrupted flow of essential commodities and civil supplies in the face of the prevailing COVID-19 situation and the concomitant lockdowns enforced by the Government.

Mizoram is a grateful beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana as a relief measure for the poorer sections of society during the pandemic, where the Central Government is providing 5 Kgs. of Rice per person per month free of cost to all NFSAbeneficiaries, i.e., Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) & Priority Households (PHH). Under Phase-III of PMGKAY for two months during May & June, 2021, the Central Government has provided 6,682.15 MT of foodgrains (Rice), which has already been distributed to all NFSA beneficiaries in the state. Further, under PMGKAY-IV for 5 months from July-November, 2021, the Central Government has also allocated 16,705.375 MT of foodgrains (Rice) to Mizoram for further distribution.

7. During 2020-21, the Planning & Programme Implementation Department allocated Rs.99.61 crores to various departments for achieving the goals of SEDP. Of this, 23 percent was allocated for Road infrastructure, 19 percent for Health sector, 16 percent for Building infrastructure, 13 percent for Aviation, 8 percent for Education sector, 7 percent for Agriculture & Allied sector, 4 percent for Energy sector, 2 percent for Water & Sanitation sector, 1 percent for Rural Development and the remaining 7 percent for various other sectors.

With the weak health infrastructure of the state, the fight against Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the state’s resources and the Government is seeking ways to fund medical requirements under CSR. The State has received generous assistance from local and foreign donors as well as Central Government. Further, seeking donations from corporate entities, PSUs, etc. towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to fund the cost of vaccines allocated to the private sector for scaling up Covid-19 vaccination by Non-Government Hospitals is currently underway.

8. During the past year, the Public Works Department has continued maintaining the various road andhighwayconnectivitythroughout the state. Inspite of the pandemic, the PWD completed several works of formation cutting (405km), black topping (47.3km) and construction of cement concrete pavements (90km). Along NH-54, the road between Khamrang to Kawnpui, Khamrang to Buichali and Kolasib to Bilkhawthlir were well maintained even under monsoon conditions. Major repairs on other important roads such as the Aizawl-Thenzawl-Lunglei road and Bairabi to Zamuang road were also done.

With funds from World Bank, Asian Development Bank leh NABARD, construction & repair works are being carried out on 82 roads across the state. Ongoing works on Tlabung to Kawrpuichhuah, Chhumkhum to Chawngte, Champhai to Zokhawthar and Serchhip- Thenzawl-Buarpui roads, which were earlier stalled due to lockdown, have now been completed.

Under SEDP, construction of Mizoram StateAccounts & Treasury Building at Mizoram New Capital Complex (MINECO), Aizawl, CMO’s Parking at McDonald Hill, Zarkawt and Extension of Economics & Statistics Department Building have been completed. Other ongoing construction works include Chief Minister Staff Quarters 2 Blocks at McDonald Hill at Zarkawt, as well as High Court Building, Alternate Dispute Resolution Centre Building, High Court & District Court Parking, Construction of E-in-C, PHED Office and Construction of District Court Building at MINECO, Aizawl.

9. The Power & Electricity Department has completed Tlawva SHP at an estimated cost of Rs 7340.00 lakh from NABARD. The project will be commissioned soon and willsubstantially reduce grid power import.

Strengthening of 33/11kV Sub-Station at Zaizawhtlang and Thenhlum with associated lines was completed at an estimated cost of Rs 572.00 lakh, funded by NEC.

Construction of 2x2.5 MVA, 33/11 kV Sub-Station at P&E Complex with associated 33kv line at Siaha Town at an estimated cost of Rs 766.00 lakh and Construction of 2x2.5 MVA, 33/11 kV Sub-Station at P&E Complex with associated 33kv lines in the heart of Lawngtlai Town at a cost of Rs 678.00 lakh, both funded by DoNER, have also been completed.

10. Under Jal Jeevan Mission, the Public Health Engineering Department has fully covered 59,514 nos. of rural households and 248 villages with Functional House Tap Connection (FHTC) upto June, 2021. Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), one unit of Plastic Waste Management Unit has been installed at Aibawk Rural RD Block. Construction of Dam Reservoir and Development of Recreation Centre at Keilungliah as well as an Alternate Gravity Water Supply Scheme for Aizawl are also being executed. As many as 19 Water Supply Schemes under NABARD and 3 other projects under AMRUT are being taken up and are in good progress.

During 2020-2021, the PHE Department collected only Rs.5,471.01 lakh as against total revenue target of Rs.6,000.00 lakhs. During 2021-2022, the department could merely collect a sum of Rs.613.4 lakh (upto May 2021) against annual target of Rs.6,500.00 lakh, partly also due to the pandemic besides low tariff.

11. Under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, the Rural Development Department has issued Job Cards to a total of 2,07,020 households and provided an average of 43 days’employment so far. During the current FY 2021-2022, Ministry of Rural Development has released an amount of Rs.30,994.35 lakh as Central Assistance and a total number of 5764 different categories of works has been taken up, out of which, 3105 works have been completed. During the current year, a number of 5,597 works under Natural Resource Management (NRM), 3,889 works under Individual Land and 122 Works under Rural Infrastructure have also been taken up under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA. Pit digging, farmponds, gabion structures, staggered trenches, etc. have been constructed in all MGNREGAvillages as a part of the ‘Jal ShaktiAbhiyan-Catch the Rain’ Campaign. Also, 259 villages will be covered under Grey Water Management Campaign during 2021.

A total fund of Rs.1616.214 lakh has been received under PMAY-G and 6600 families have been provided assistance for construction of pucca houses, out of which, 4411 new houses have been completed till date. In addition to the normal PMAY-G, another 6980 households under PMAY-G Awaas+ have been allocated to Mizoram by Ministry of Rural Development during the current year. Under Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM), Mizoram has been awarded thrice by the Ministry of Rural Development for exemplary implementation of projects and judicious use of resources under the scheme.

Mizoram State Rural Livelihood Mission has mobilized 10143 households into 1127 Self Help Groups across 26 Blocks, and total amount of Rs.933 lakhs Community investment was provided to SHGs and village organisations. Under Farm Livelihoods intervention, 155 new villages were entered covering 7203 Mahila Kisans and 6122 Nutritional Gardens were set up. Total fund approved by Ministry of Home Affairs (GoI) under BADP for 2020-2021 is Rs.24.579 crore, out of which, Rs.12.2895 crore has already been received.

Physical achievement of PMKSY-WDC during 2020-2021 are :- 68 nos. of Self Help Groups were formed, 175 individuals and 759 micro enterprises assisted, 752.64 hectares of horticulture plantation and 956.35 hectares of soil and moisture conservation were done, 1131 water harvesting structures constructed and 296 water harvesting structures renovated. Also, 6320 farmers benefitted, 473.625 ha. of wasteland was brought under productive use and 265.21 ha. of additional area brought under irrigation.

12. The Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation Department continues to implement various flagship State Schemes such as PAHOSS, for which the total sanctioned amount is Rs.6139.00 lakh. Altogether, 403 beneficiaries were selected and 11 beneficiaries have completed the construction ofparking houses so far. Upon the creation of 3 new districts, namely, Khawzawl, Saitual and Hnahthial, the Department has created and set up the offices of DUDO in each of the districts. Under the Special Assistance to State for Capital Expenditure, the Department has been awarded Rs.300.00 lakh for the construction of Solid Waste Management Centre in five towns, namely, Hnahthial, Khawzawl, Mamit, Saitual & Serchhip. The construction work commenced on 25th May 2021 and is expected to be completed soon.

In response to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, SBM (Urban) has been working constantly in battling further spread of the virus in cleanliness and sanitation sector. Safeguarding the well-being of sanitation workers has been the core concern and a tri-monthly Covid-19 package including masks, gloves, sanitizers, disinfectants, caps, garbage bags for Quarantine waste, etc. has been distributed in all urban towns of Mizoram, which has immensely helped in tackling the pandemic. In fact, it is found that the pandemic has brought about behavioralchange regarding personal hygiene and has developed sanitation and cleanliness consciousness.

13. The XV finance Commission has allocated Rs.93.00 crore to Village Councils in Mizoram for the FY 2020-2021, including those under the three Autonomous District Councils of Lai, Mara and Chakma. The Local Administration Department is implementing the grant for all 834 Village Councils in Mizoram.
The Department has uploaded Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) of all Village Councils in e-GramSwaraj application, which is a prerequisite for utilisation of fund under XV Finance Commission Grant. The first installment of tied fund has been fully transferred to Village Councils, while first installment of untied fund has been transferred to 558 Village Councils (67%) through PFMS. 829 Village Councils (which is 99.4%) have been onboarded on e-GramSwaraj for payment through PFMS. Payment to beneficiaries has been made in 103 Village Councils. Geo-tagging of assets to be created through this Grant has also been completed by 246 Village Councils.

Ministry of Finance, GoI, has also released Rs.46.50 crore as 2nd installment, which will be transferred to the Village Councils bank accounts using e-Treasury.

14. During the financial year of 2020-21, the Transport Department submitted revenue amounting to Rs.3354.07 lakh. 25816 nos. of vehicles had been registered during 2020-21 and 13334 nos of Driving Licenses were issued to the citizens who have gone through the test conducted by the Department. The Department currently has 36 nos. of serviceable buses but due to the pandemic, these could not perform normal passenger services. They were, however, very useful for shifting of stranded people to their respective places even in the neighbouring states, as well as for transferring effected people to the hospitals and Covid Care Centres during lockdown.

In line with the advisory from Ministry of Road Transport & Highway, extension ofvalidity of vehicle related documents and waiving- off of late fines due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, w.e.f. 1st February, 2020 to 30th September, 2021, was allowed by the Govt. of Mizoram and Orders were also published accordingly. An agreement was also signed with State Bank of India to implement Online Payment System under Vahan 4.0 and Sarathi 4.0. Integration of State Bank of India payment gateway and Vahan & Sarathi software is expected to be finished soon.

15. In order to alleviate the financial hardship and plight posed by COVID-19 pandemic on the students and parents, the Higher & Technical Education Department permitted a one-time reduction of admission fees in all government colleges as well as technical and professional institutions under it. 17(seventeen) new Assistant Professors for various government colleges and higher institutions have been appointed on 16th March, 2021 by means of direct recruitment. During the FY 2020-21, Pre-Matric Scholarship was disbursed to 59,937 students belonging to minority communities, Post-Matric Scholarship for 1206 students belonging to Minority Community and Merit Scholarship was given to 426 students. Further, Post-Matric Scholarship for 33878 Scheduled Tribe students and Pre-Matric Scholarship for 11046 Scheduled Tribes studying Classes IX & X are under process to be disbursed shortly.

Another significant achievement realised by the H&TE Department was the enactment of The Mizoram State Higher Education Council (Amendment) Act, 2021 (Act No. 4 of 2021) by the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram in its Seventh Session, held during 23rd February, 2021 to 17th March, 2021, and was duly published in the Mizoram Gazette, Extraordinary issue on 23rd March, 2021.

16. The Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change strives to maintain sustainably high quality forest cover and effectively protect the amazing wealth of flora and fauna in the state. Despite the constraint faced due to Covid-19, the tree festival of the state was celebrated on the Green Mizoram Day on 11th June, 2021 and more than 1 lakh saplings were distributed to the public across the state.

Apart from making all efforts to avoid man-animal conflict around protected areas, an amount of Rs.34.44 lakh was distributed to 126 families as compensation for damage caused by wildlife during 2020-2021. Further, Aizawl Zoological Park is being planned for modernization and is all set to provide habitat for two Royal Bengal Tigers. Botanical Gardens are soon to be set up in the state, which will not only generate awareness about nature and environment but also provide recreational opportunity for the public and encourage eco-tourism.

17. During August, 2020 - May, 2021, the Department of Geology & Mineral Resources issued 109 new mining permits and 3 mining leases, and also renewed 412 mining permits. The department grossed total revenue of Rs.5,27,79,093.00 from minor mineral investigations and petroleum licence fees combined. Also, 48 landslide inspections, 148 house site inspections, 61 new quarry site inspections, preparation of 6 blast designs and 2 crackamite quarry designs were carried out.

18. The Irrigation & Water Resources Department has been implementing 36 Minor irrigation Projects under ‘PMKSY-Har Khet Ko Pani’, which cover 1723 ha withtotal beneficiaries of 1055 farmers. Central Assistance of Rs.765.35 lakh was received during 2020-21 for these projects. Also, 13 Groundwater Irrigation Projects, covering 6 districts of the state, with a total estimated cost of Rs.1604.89 lakh have been implemented under PMKSY-HKKP (Groundwater Irrigation).

Chawmzau Groundwater Irrigation Project, Serchhip, which includes provision for construction of 31 tube wells to cover an area of 52 ha. has been included for funding under RIDF-XXVI (NABARD) and sanction of loan amounting to Rs.118.68 lakh during 2020-21 has been received from NABARD.

19. During 2020-2021, the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department received CentralAssistance of Rs.315.00 lakh for setting up Piglet Multiplication Farms. With this fund, 10 units have been set up at Aizawl, Lunglei, Siaha, Champhai, Kolasib, Serchhip, Lawngtlai and Mamit. Under the Rural Backyard Piggery Development Scheme, Central Assistance of Rs.79.38 lakh will be distributed among 420 Piggery Farmers. Central Asistance of Rs. 70.680 lakh under Rural Backyard Goatery Scheme was also received, which will be disbursed to 119 goatherds. CentralAssistance of Rs.256.99 lakh towards poultry farming for Rural Backyard Poultry Development (2000 beneficiaries) and Innovative Poultry Productivity Projects (600 beneficiaries) is also being well utilised.

Since the first case of African Swine Fever was reported on 21st March, 2021 in Lungsen Village, Lunglei District, the disease has killed 22,371 pigs upto 12th August, 2021. In order to prevent further spread of the disease, 8579 infected pigs have so far been culled both at commercial and backyard farm in accordance with National Action Plan. There are still 45,288 susceptible pigs in the infected areas/ zones. It is of paramount importance for the piggery sub-sector to recover from the current outbreak and the farmers rehabilitated. It is proposed that ‘State of Calamity’ may be declared on the current outbreak of ASF, so that farmers can be rehabilitated under the provision of Disaster Management Act, 2005. The matter is being taken up by the Disaster Management & Rehabilitation department.

20. The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns have also badly affected the Fisheries sector, inactivity in the Fish Seeds Farms has caused acute shortage of fish seeds and ultimatelythe overall fish production, which has witnessed a decline of about 38% from the previous year. The State Government is making efforts under its flagship programme of SEDP to ease the adverse economic effects on the fishery sector and as a primary initiative, Rs.200 lakh worth of fish seed will be distributed to fish farmers.

21. Mizoram Sericulture Department is taking vigorous initiative in 209 villages, involving 5651 households and covering 11404 sq.km, under the Integrated Sericulture Development Project, Integrated Bivoltine Sericulture Development Project and Integrated Muga Silk Development Project. In fact, Mizoram has been awarded ‘Best Implementing State’ among the seven North-East States.

During the current year, a new Silk Showroom has been opened by the Sericulture Department from where various local silk products are being sold.

22. Commerce & Industries Department has given its utmost priority to improve marketing aspect of Agricultural Produce by providing Physical Market Infrastructure and Marketing Policy. To protect the general interest of the native marginal farmers, action has been taken as far as possible for providing marketing channel for the farmers in order for them to have maximum benefit. Construction of Sairang Market has been completed and Wholesale Market at Ngaizel, Bawngkawn is currently underway.

23. The Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Department is intensifying efforts for successful implementation of various welfare schemes to secure decent means of livelihood, particularly to unorganised workers within Mizoram. The Department has enforced many Labour Laws to administer social security for both unorganised and registered labourers and workers. 10,893 new workers were registered during April - June, 2021 alone. The total amount of fund sanctioned for the various workers welfare scheme during the current FY is to the tune of Rs.5,36,52,000/-. With effect from 1st April, 2021, a new Covid-19 package in the form of MedicalAssistance amounting to Rs.10,000/- and Death Benefit amounting to Rs.3,00,000/- is also being provided to those registered workerswho are infected byCovid-19 andto those who succumbto the virus.

The 2nd Phase programme of Livelihood Generation for Returned Migrant Workers due to Covid-19 was launched by the Mizoram Youth Commission on 19th January, 2021. Also, 60% of the fund received from NEC amounting to Rs.2.70 crore has been released to all the implementing departments concerned for Skill Training Programme for the Livelihood of the Reverse Migrant Workers.

24. Even in the midst of the pandemic, the Sports & Youth Services Department has completed a number of infrastructure projects around the state, which are awaiting inauguration, such as : Artificial Football Turf at Saitual, Multipurpose Indoor Hall at Sihphir, Multipurpose Sports Complex at Joint YMA Field at Vaivakawn, Youth Recreation Centre cumAmalgamated Office for Sports & Youth Services, etc. Ongoing works under the Mizoram State Sports Council include - laying of Synthetic Hockey Turf at Muallungthu Sports Centre costing Rs.550 lakh under Khelo India Scheme, laying of Synthetic Football Turf at 1st BN. MAP Football Ground at Armed Veng, Aizawl costing Rs. 500 lakh under Khelo India, and laying of Artificial Turf at Hnahthial costing Rs. 682.90 lakh under NEC, etc. PMJVK fund amounting to Rs.16751.70 lakhs has been received for construction of Residential Sports Schools at Mamit, West Phaileng, Kawrthah, Lunglei and Lawngtlai.

Our Sports Promotional Programmes continue to bear fruit and our sportsmen are bringing home laurels. Recently, Lalbuatsaihiwon silver medal in the Asian Elite Boxing Championship during 14-31 May, 2021 at Dubai. Jeremy Lalrinnunga won silver medal in the World Junior Weightlifting Championship during 23-31, March, 2021 at Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

It is a matter of pride for Mizoram that our state’s star hockey player Lalremsiami participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, representing India. For making it to the Indian Hockey Olympic Team, the state government has announced an award of Rs.25 lakhs, alongwith offer of a government job and a house site in her native village, Kolasib.

25. The Tourism Department has been making endless efforts for development of tourism, focusing on post-Covid strategy for revival of tourism in the State by framing transparent policies, rules and guidelines and also byundertaking massive skill development programmes in tourism and hospitality services. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India also accorded sanction ofRs.3994.75 lakh on 31st March, 2021 for development of Convention Centre and Associated Infrastructure at Aizawl.

As mentioned earlier, travel restrictions due to Covid-19 pandemic have led to a decline in the number of tourist arrival to the State as well as revenue earned from tourism properties. Revenue earned by the Department has drastically declined from Rs.305.70 Lakh in 2019-2020 to just Rs.38.39 Lakh in 2020-2021.

26. The Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs Department has been implementing the National Action Plan under the Drug Free India Campaign, which was formulated by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for 2020- 2021, focusing on 272 vulnerable districts in terms of drug use in India. This campaign is being implemented in 3 districts of Mizoram viz. Aizawl, Champhai and Kolasib.

During the financial year 2020-21, total amount of Rs.69,63,997/ - as Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organizations for welfare of Scheduled Tribes and another amount of Rs.94,24,057/- as Grant-in-Aid to NGOs and VOs were sanctioned. Senior Citizens’ Day Care Centres within Aizawl, Siaha and Lunglei Districts were provided Covid Care Package, which contains dry ration and sanitization kits, to be distributed among senior citizens within their districts. Atotal of 750 senior citizens benefited from this initiative. A total of 43 centenarians across the state were also given cash incentive on International Day of Older Persons.

27. Under Women & Child Development, there are currently 2244 Anganwadi Centres across the state, with equal number of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. Through the Integrated Child Protection Services scheme, the department looks after 33 children’s homes, 8 observation homes, 2 specialhomes and 7 adoption centers in the State. It is functioning in all districts of the State. The financial achievement during 2020-21 is Rs.19, 56, 31,999/- in total.

28. Due to the prevailing pandemic, the Art & Culture Department organised virtual programmes in collaboration with NEZCC, which were broadcast through websites and social media. The department received 1st Installment sanction of Rs.4.136 Crores for construction of Regional Museum at Lunglei and State Matching Share of Rs. 91.90 lakhs. The project is in good progress. Also, 3rd Installment of Rs.100.00 lakh was received from NEC for ongoing Lai Cultural Centre-Cum-Auditorium at Lawngtlai. The project is almost completed.

29. During the year 2020-2021, the Accounts & Treasuries settled 2386 cases out of 3041 Pension cases received. Out of 2177 cases of Pension payment orders received, 2177 (including 173 MLA pension) cases were issued. 1973 cases of various types of loan availed by Government Servants were received and out of this, 1115 cases were settled. 6995 cases of Gazetted Officers (New appointment, promotion, transfer, increment of pay, ACP, Stepped-up etc.) were settled and 1327 cases of Non-Gazetted employees were also done. Three offices, alongwith 108 Village Councils, were audited and Audit Fee of Rs.1,12,524/- only was collected under Registered Firms & Societies, NGOs, etc and credited to Government Accounts. Out of 2399 cases of Final Payment of GPF/DLI received, 1629 cases were settled and Final Payment of GPF amounting to Rs.208,87,83,812/- only was authorized.

During this financial year, 83 cases of New Pension were received and out of this, 60 cases have been settled. As on 31st March, 2021, there are at present 9297 numbers of New Pension Scheme subscribers.

30. For strengthening the Justice Sector under 14th Finance Commission, the Law & Judicial Department is implementing the project of Scanning & Digitisation of Case Records in 3 pilot project sites, viz.

1). The Gauhati High Court (AB), 2). District & Sessions Judge, Aizawl Judicial District and 3). District & Sessions Judge, Lunglei Judicial District, in order to facilitate preservation, archival and retrieval of important documents. Construction work of High Court and District Court Buildings at MINECO, Aizawl has been ongoing even amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and around 86% of work has been completed for both the buildings.

The establishment of 2 (two) Fast Track Courts at Aizawl and Champhai for expeditious cases under Rape & POCSO Act and 1 Exclusive Fast Track Court at Aizawl, which started functioning from January 2021, helped speed up delivery of justice. Between January - June 2021, 72 (seventy-two) pending cases under Rape & POCSO Act were tried and disposed of accordingly.

31. In order to boost up the Mizoram Telecom, the Information & Communication Technology Department has formulated the Mizoram Telecom Infrastructure Policy for upgradation of mobile & internet connectivity. Mizoram Broadband Committee has also been formed under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. Altogether, 41 villages have been provided internet connectivity through optic fibre under BharatNet and V-SAT has also been installed in 408 villages. To tackle the hurdles brought on by the Covid 2nd Wave, Task Force on Mobile & Internet Services has been carrying on monitoring work.

IT Education Programme for Schools through 100% NEC funding in collaboration with the School Education Department is being taken up. Under it, 71 selected High Schools / Higher Secondary Schools have been provided 7 Desktop Computer sets, 1 Multifunction Printer and 4 UPS each within this year. Under PMJVK, setting up of Smart Classrooms will also be taken up in 20 selected High schools.

32. Various projects taken up by the Aviation Wing (GAD), namely, Isolation Parking Bay at Lengpui Airport (Rs. 625.74 lakhs), Apron Extension & Runway Safety Area at LengpuiAirport (Rs. 478.00 lakhs), Electrification of DVORat Hmunpui (Rs. 171.06 lakhs) and Black Topping of Approach Road to original DVOR at Lengpui Airport (1.5 kms) have been completed.

33. The Taxation Department collected total revenue of Rs.67,782.44 lakh during the financial year 2020 - 2021 and another Rs 12,599.01 lakh during the current year 2021 - 2022 (upto May, 2021).

34. The District Council & Minority Affairs Department has received Rs.2881.18 lakh as 1st Installment for the Year 2020-2021 from the Ministryof MinorityAffairs, GoI, for various works in the 3Autonomous District Councils, such as, Community Service Centre, Sports Complex, Girls Hostel, etc.

35. Through the Disaster Management & Rehabilitation Department, financial assistance has been provided to Health & Family Welfare Department and 11 District Disaster Management Authorities for combating the spread of Covid-19 virus outbreak in Mizoram. The Mizoram State Control Room-cum-State Emergency Operation Centre for Monitoring spread of Covid-19 Virus Outbreak is managed by DM&R to guide and address issues pertaining to Covid faced by the public within and outside the state.

36. The Information & Public Relations Department has consistently been one of the frontline departments in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the start of the pandemic, the Department has produced several Messages and Talk Shows on various aspects of the pandemic. It has also produced several short video clips and posters to inform and educate the public. These have played a valuable role in changing the perception of people about the pandemic and helped in containment and prevention.

More than 70 percent of construction work of the NEC-funded Multi Facility Centre ‘Lianchhiari Run’ has been completed despite the pandemic. The accreditation of media persons as per provisions of the Mizoram Press Accreditation Rules has also been completed.

37. The Office of the Deputy Commissioner (Aizawl District) conducts frequent Special drives to identify non-Mizo Inner Line Permit (ILP) violators and to avoid illegal entryand overstaying ofpermits. Efforts are also being made to detect any ILP applicants whose names are missing in the NRC registration at the time of applying for ILP, failing which, their applications are rejected.

The Arms Branch of this Office issued 233 Fresh Arms Licence and Total Revenue received from arms licence issue & renewal, etc. was Rs. 24,30,310/- for the year 2020-2021. According to the Census Branch records, the Population of Aizawl, as per 2011 Census is 400309, and Aadhaar generation percentage of enrolment in Aizawl District stands at 93.69% currently.

The adversities of the previous year reminded us that care and concern for humanity and the feeling of fraternity is what truly keep us together. It was truly a year of learning for us in every sphere. The risk of another such pandemic engulfing humanity should awaken in us the dire need to address the issue of climate change and accord it top priority.

Friends, it was indomitable courage and resilience of the people that had won India her freedom, and it is with the same fortitude that we will overcome this unforeseen ordeal of fighting the pandemic today. Our recent times demand that we remain strong and confident, in order to be able to pursue our dreams of realising newer heights in the future.

I once again salute all the medical & healthcare personnel working round-the-clock to save lives. The people of Mizoram are indebted to you and your sacrifices will never be forgotten. Our heartfelt gratitude to the farming community, whose diligence and generosity ensure that the people have food on their tables even during the worst times of the pandemic. I would also like to once again congratulate all the Volunteers of the various Task Forces, the NGOs, the Churches as well as the people of Mizoram for their support and conformity to the required standard operating procedure (SOP) executed from time to time by the government for the safeguard and welfare of all.

Ka lawm e.

Jai Hind!