No.495/2020-2021
Dear Fellow Citizens and Friends,
On this occasion of the seventy-second Republic Day, I extend my warm greetings, felicitations and best wishes to all the people of Mizoram, both within and outside the state. Amid pared-down celebrations of this Day due to Covid-19 safety protocols, the entire country is decorated in tri-colours to convey that India is a nation where unity in diversity is celebrated.
As India and Indians march forward, we remain committed to engaging the global community to build a secure and prosperous future for ourselves and for the entire humanity. The government has been constantly striving for the complete development of every part of the country. India's unity has been a lesson to the world in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, which pushed us to realise the importance of a self-reliant nation.
In the same spirit, the concerted efforts of the Mizoram State Government, which has been supplemented by the selfless service rendered by the churches, NGOs, civil society and all frontline workers has been instrumental in the containment of the pandemic in our state. Due to their collective commitment and unrelenting endeavours, we have had the lowest number of corona virus infections, the lowest fatality and one of the best recovery rates among all the states in the country. I feel that this is something we can take pride in, amidst these difficult times. Here, I must also express my gratitude to the government and people of Mizoram, who have withstood the test of the global pandemic.
1. A strong internal security system is vital for all-round development. As such, the state government has taken many concrete steps to strengthen internal security. The general law and order situation in the state has been by and large peaceful. Since the outbreak of Covid-19 and implementation of lockdown in the state, around 3000 Mizoram Police personnel have been 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 execution of Covid-19 ordinance and guidelines issued by the Government from time to time. Several incidents at and the ensuing tension along the Mizoram-Assam inter-state border at Thinghlun in Mamit District, Vairengte and Saihapui ‘V’ in Kolasib District during October 2020 were immediately diffused by the timely deployment of Mizoram Police forces. Situation in the border areas is also being kept under close watch at all times.
A separate Cyber Crime Police Station was inaugurated on 27th November, 2020, and Cyber Forensic Lab-cum-Training Centre has been set up under the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children Project. Digital Data Communication was established in 8 districts and Radio-over-Internet Protocol Systems were introduced in 5 districts to increase the range of wireless communication. During last year, 37 no. of Arms, 7894 no. of Ammunitions and 29 no. of Magazines were seized and 9 persons arrested. A new Police Checkgate at Tuisenphai, Khawzawl was made functional w.e.f. 11th November, 2020 to check illegal smuggling of goods. Large quantities of illicit drugs and narcotic substances worth Rs.14.79 crores and illicit liquor worth Rs.18.55 lakhs were also seized.
For the first time in the history of Mizoram Police, as many as 161 police constables were granted honorary promotion to the rank of Head Constable en masse. To mark Police Commemoration Day, 2020, voluntary blood donation camps were organized at all unit levels.
2. The Fire & Emergency Services Department will acquire 3 new High Pressure Pump Fire Tenders with sanction of Rs.140 lakhs from the State Disaster Management Authority. Engagement period of 15 Fire Volunteers as a supplement to the under-staffed Fire Fighting Force has been extended up to 31st March, 2021. As a preventive measure against possible fire outbreaks, Fire Inspections have been conducted at 5 Covid Care Centres, 23 Quarantine Centres and 26 Hospitals. During last year, 13 Domestic Fire Calls, 50 Forest Fire Calls and 13 other Emergency Calls were received and attended to. The average total amount salvaged was Rs.64.9 crores.
3. The Mizoram Home Guards conducted basic training for 135 Home Guard Volunteers and 16 Enforcement staff from Transport Department at CTI, Sesawng. Also, 20 Home Guard Volunteers were deployed for duty for the on-going COVID-19 pandemic during the year. Progressive Revenue Receipt upto November, 2020 is Rs.183,05,735/- for 2020-2021.
4. Armed Forces Flag Day was observed under the guidance of Sainik Welfare & Resettlement Department on 7th Dec, 2020. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, instead of a public fund drive collection, donations were collected from various Govt. officials and departments. Financial assistance amounting to Rs.24,000/- was disbursed to 8 Ex-servicemen/Widows. A sum of Rs.82,08,000/- was also disbursed to 40 Veterans and 408 Widows. Another sum of Rs.1,72,800/- has been disbursed to 8 personnel of 2nd Assam disband personnel and a total of Rs.30,000/- has been paid to 2 Ex-Servicemen/Widows as financial relief due to natural calamities and Rs.5,000/- to 1 ex-serviceman for medical treatment during this period. ‘Vijay Diwas’ was duly observed by the Ex-servicemen fraternity at the War Memorial, Treasury Square, Aizawl on 16th December, 2020.
5. The 11th Lai Autonomous District Council General Election was successfully held on 4th December, 2020 and notification for appointment of Chief Executive Member and Executive Members was issued. The Ministry of Minority Affairs approved sanction of Rs.7368.55 lakhs for projects under District Council & Minority Affairs Department, namely, Astro Football Turf at Lunglei and Lawngtlai, 3 Volleyball Courts in Lunglei District, 6 in Lawngtlai District and 19 in Mamit District, 4 Basketball Courts in Lunglei District, 5 in Lawngtlai District and 19 in Mamit District as well as Construction of 2 Futsal Grounds and laying of synthetic Hockey turf in Lunglei District. Release of Grants-in-aid to Lai Autonomous District Council was Rs.277.42 lakhs, Mara Autonomous District Council was Rs.248.85 lakhs and Chakma Autonomous District Council was Rs.131.62 lakhs. Also, Grants-in-aid to Village Councils under LADC was Rs.60.56 lakhs, MADC was Rs.59.18 lakhs and CADC was Rs.37.03 lakhs. Third and final installment of Rs.185.17 lakhs towards construction of school building within LADC was also released.
6. As tourism was one of the hardest hit sectors due to covid-19 pandemic, there has been a declining trend both in terms of revenue earned and tourist arrival. The revenue earned by the Tourism Department during April-November 2020 was Rs.23.96 lakhs and total number of tourists visiting the State during the same period was 5407. However, inspite of constrained activities, a number of projects were carried out without violating Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
The Thenzawl Golf Resort under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Government of India was inaugurated on 4th August 2020 by the Hon’ble Union Minister of State i/c Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel. ‘Anthurium Festival 2020’ was organized virtually during 9th & 10th November 2020 and ‘Winter Festival 2020’ was also organized virtually during 21st & 22nd December 2020. These were the first virtual festivals ever organised in the State.
One of the most important achievements during 2019-2020 was the notification of the ‘Mizoram (Registration of Tourist Trade) Act 2020’ on 24th March last year. Other notifications by the Department during 2020-2021 include the ‘Mizoram Responsible Tourism Policy, 2020’ and ‘Guidelines for Recognition of Tourism Providers Association, Tour Operators, Dormitories and Hostels, Tour Guides, Caravan Tourism, Homestays and Ticketing Sales/Travel Agents’ in Mizoram. The Cabinet Meeting held on 29th December 2020 passed the first ever ‘The Mizoram (Aero Sports) Rules, 2020’ and ‘The Mizoram (River Rafting) Rules, 2020’, which is a huge landmark for the state’s adventure sports. The Ministry of DoNER has sanctioned Rs.560 lakhs for Tourism Development at Reiek under NESIDS Scheme and Foundation Stone was laid on 7th February, 2020.
7. As road connectivity plays a vital role in development, the state government continues to give priority to the construction and maintenance of roads under the Public Works Department. During the last working season, formation cutting (305.84 kms), black topping (218.18 kms) and rehabilitation and resurfacing (98.02 km) works were completed. Although work has been severely disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all major roads across the state have been well maintained by the State PWD and are in good condition by and large.
With funds from the Central Government, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, NABARD and SEDP, 82 district roads linking rural areas are being repaired. Also, ongoing construction of the following roads, viz. Serchhip-Thenzawl-Buarpui, Multi Modal Transport Transit Project, Tlabung-Kawrpuichhuah, Chhumkhum-Chawngte, Champhai-Zokhawthar and Lengte-Mamit-River Langkaih are expected to be completed soon. Sanction is awaited for construction of roads connecting Myanmar via Chhimtuipui and Tiau River, ie. Lungbun-Chhimtuipui, Hnahlan-Tiaului, Pangkhua-Saisihchhuah and Zote-Tiau Roads.
To ease the traffic congestion within Aizawl, techno-feasibility work has started for the proposed fly-over between Bawngkawn and Vaivakawn. Construction of 4 bridges, viz. (1).Pre-Stressed Concrete T-Beam Girder bridge on Bilkhawthlir- Saiphaikawng road at Serlui, (2).D-Bow Steel Truss Girder Bridge on the Thenzawl-Buarpui road at Tlawng, (3).Galvanised Bailey Bridge over River Mat at Chawmkai and (4).Bairabi- Kawnpui TDR EW 70R Bailey Bridge have been completed. Several new Government quarters and public buildings were constructed, such as, Judicial Quarters in all 8 Districts, 4 Civil SDO Quarters and Office, 2 District Treasury Offices and Quarters, 50-bedded Civil Hospital at Lawngtlai, 100-bedded Civil Hospital at Siaha and ARCS Office Building at Serchhip. Digital Congress Network System was recently installed in the Mizoram Assembly House and renovation of Lengpui Airport is also underway.
8. During last year, the Transport Department earned total revenue of Rs.4952 lakhs. In total, 31,755 vehicles were registered and 13,813 new Driving Licences issued. The department currently plies 36 servicable buses and new Vehicle Pollution Testing Centres have been opened in 6 districts, ie. Siaha, Champhai, Kolasib, Serchhip, Mamit and Lawngtlai. Proposals for hydrological survey of 5 Rivers in the state as well as proposal for making River Tlawng navigable have been submitted to the Ministry of Shipping. Final DPR amounting to Rs.2292.94 lakhs for navigation of River Khawthlangtuipui (Karnaphuli) has also been approved. On-going projects of the department include establishment of Automated Inspection & Certification Centre at Hlimen, construction of Multi-level Parking & Multi-purpose Hall at Govt. Mizo High School, Aizawl and construction of Commercial Vehicle Terminals at Tlabung, Vairengte and Serchhip.
9. As every year, the Art & Culture Department successfully organised ‘Chapchar Kut Festival’ at the A.R.Ground in Aizawl on 5th & 6th March, 2020. Under Ministry of Culture, Regional Virtual Cultural programmes were organised in collaboration with NEZCC, which were broadcast through website and social media. Finalised terms and conditions for production and usage of 5 Mizo traditional ‘puan’, viz. Puanchei, Ngotekherh, Pawndum, Tawlhlohpuan and Hmaram by the Technical Committee on Geographical Indication will soon be published. Digitisation of the Mizoram State Archives is being diligently carried out. Construction of Regional Museum at Lunglei, Lai Cultural Centre-cum-Audittorium at Lawngtlai and VIP Lounge at Mizo Typical Village, Falkawn are also in good progress.
10. The Women & Child Development Department has started various innovative programmes under ‘Poshan Abhiyan’ such as - 1).Nutri Garden Innovation Plan, where all Anganwadi Centres grow their own fruits and vegetables, 2).Bye Bye Anaemia, in which test kits for HB level have been distributed to all Anganwadi Centres for mass testing of women and children and 3).Operation SAM, where severely malnourished children were identified and monitored. There are currently 2244 Anganwadi Centres across the state as well as 27 lCDS Projects located in all 26 RD Blocks and one in Aizawl Urban. The total beneficiaries availing lCDS services are 1,08,751 children, 22,010 Pregnant& Lactating mothers and 1300 Adolescent Girls. In total, 22,161 beneficiaries have availed of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and total funds paid so far is Rs.9,67,48,000. In implementation of PMMVY, Mizoram currently holds 4th position in the country and lst position among the NE States. Under the Integrated Child Proctection Services, the department looks after 35 children's homes, 8 observation homes, 2 special homes and 7 adoption centers in the state.
The State Commission for Women is dealing with various issues in tackling violence, gender inequality, harassment and protection of women. 299 Mahila Police Volunteers have been recruited. Women empowerment schemes such as the State Resource Centre for Women, Mahila Shakti Kendra, One-Stop Centres, Swadhar Greh, Ujjawala and 24x7 Universal Women Helpline are also being efficiently run by the department in various districts.
11. Under NABARD RIDF Scheme, the Land Resources, Soil & Water Conservation Department has created Rubber Plantation of 200 Ha at Rengdil and 20 Ha at Kanghmun with an expenditure of Rs.108.39 lakhs. 100 Rubber Roller Machines with accessories have been distributed to Rubber planters in various districts. Rubber/Arecanut plantation link road from West Serzawl to Saipha (8km) with an expenditure of Rs 95.185 lakhs has been constructed.
12. A major achievement of the Public Health Engineering Department is that under Jal Jeevan Mission, 40479 out of a total of 1,26,827 rural households have been covered with Functional House Tap Connections. Upto December 2020, a total number of 15,400 rural households have been provided with FHTC and 114 villages are now fully covered. Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), one Plastic Waste Management Unit has been installed at Aibawk Rural RD Block and four more Units are ongoing in 4 districts. Also, 8 water supply schemes including solar pumping schemes have been completed and as many as 14 Water Supply Schemes are being executed under NABARD.
Water Supply to Sainik School, Chhingchhip and Construction of Dam Reservoir and Development of Recreation Centre at Keilungliah are 2 ongoing projects under NLCPR. Alternate Gravity Water Supply Scheme of Aizawl is also being executed. Meanwhile, Biate Water Supply Scheme is also in progress and 3 ongoing Projects under AMRUT are in good progress.
The Department has recorded 1,04,050 nos. of House Water Connections under Urban Areas while 24,775 nos. of House Water Connections have also been provided under Rural Areas as on 30th December, 2020. The Department has collected revenue of Rs.3050.7 lakhs from House Water Connections upto October, 2020.
13. The Information & Communication Technology Department strives to minimise internet and mobile signal disruption. Telecom Operators were requested to increase to additional 759 sites within the state. Aizawl Municipal Corporation Building Regulations were amended, allowing setting-up of more mobile towers within Aizawl, and the ‘Mizoram Telecom Infrastructure Policy, 2020’ was also notified in December, 2020. Using Gigabit Passive Optical Network Technology, internet service has been provided to the Mizoram Secretariat at MINECO. To provide citizen-centric services to remote villages, 100 mpbs internet bandwidth each has been implemented for all districts. 501 Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) have also been provided to remote villages.
ICT Department developed the ‘Govt. of Mizoram Content Management System’, which has been implemented by 256 government offices and organisations successfully. Online ILP Software, for efficient management of the Inner Line Pass (ILP) system and Online Application System for Mizoram Public Service Commission to enable applicants to submit application and receive admit cards online were also developed. mCovid19 application was developed by Mizoram State e-Governance Society, which is used to apply for mPASS for anyone entering Mizoram by road or air. It is also used for applying for different permits such as Traffic, Home Quarantine, Quarantine Fee Exemption, etc. To enhance IT Education in the state, 7 computer sets each will be distributed to 71 schools within this financial year.
14. Rural Development Department continues to play a major part in alleviation of poverty in rural areas by creating durable assets and generating livelihood. A total of 212,893 households have been issued Job Cards under MGNREGA and were provided 96 days of employment during the FY 2020-2021. Total number of 21,739 works have been taken up, of which 18,873 works have been completed till date. A total of 13,784 Works under Natural Resource Management, 14,858 Works under Individual Land and 3097 works under Rural Infrastructure were also taken up during the year. Between April-December 2020, 8585 rural households have been mobilized into 1094 Self Help Groups across 26 RD Blocks and have been provided more than Rs.800.85 Lakhs as capitalization support.
Steps have also been taken to promote financial services in remote areas. The credit linked to 1751 SHGs has reached Rs.30.45 crores in December, 2020. Also, 65 SHG members have been deployed as Banking Correspondents Agents and as of December, 2020, over 21365 transactions amounting to Rs.12.14 crores has been completed. Till December, 5000 women farmers have been covered under the ‘Mahila Kisan Shashaktikaran Pariyojana’ scheme. 100 Community Managed Tool Banks have been established across 10 RD Blocks to enable small and marginal famers to hire farm equipment and services at nominal rates.
Under Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission, 748 rural youth candidates have been trained and 371 have been successfully placed in different sectors through its flagship ‘Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana’ program. With the introduction of new guidelines by the Ministry of Home Affairs, 49 villages will be newly added under BADP operating areas.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, 2818 water harvesting structures have been made and 1198.416 Ha of land rejuvenated to cultivable land, which will benefit 6037 farmers. The State Institute for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj imparted 78 trainings to 3233 trainees, including newly elected Village Council representatives. Various works under Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission have been executed, prominent among them are the Mizoram Orchid Centre at Maubuang, Mini-Agro Processing Centres, cultivation of aromatic plants, solar street lights, Agri link roads, Pedestal footpaths and Cluster farming of Piggery, Poultry, Dairy, etc.
15. The Department of Science & Technology has spearheaded an ‘Innovation Facility Centre’ at MINECO, Aizawl under the Development of Indigenous Technological Innovations in Mizoram Project at a cost of Rs.6.67 crores. The Centre was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga on 9th December, 2020. The project aims at promoting indigenous technological innovations by providing scientific and technical assistance to grass-root innovators and nurturing their skills, providing institutional support as well as low cost and affordable machinery and safeguarding of Intellectual Property Rights. The foundation stone of Science Centre and Digital Planetarium at Zohnuai, Lunglei was laid on 24th July, 2020 to inculcate scientific temperament in the southern part of Mizoram. The total cost estimated for Science Centre is Rs.5.57 crores and Rs.3.14 crores for Digital Planetarium.
16. The pilot project of SEDP under Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department launched on 25th November, 2020 will cover a total of 1020 beneficiaries under Piggery and Poultry in 8 districts. The project will consist of Piglet Multiplication Unit for 20 beneficiaries, Piggery Fattener Unit for 200 beneficiaries, Broiler Farming for 400 beneficiaries, Backyard Poultry Farming for 400 beneficiaries as well as construction of Animal Quarantine Camp at Zokhawthar, Champhai District at a cost of Rs.35.28 lakhs, for prevention and control of animal diseases across the Indo-Myanmar border.
In order to strengthen and improve Veterinary Health Care Service in the state, construction of District Veterinary Hospital buildings at Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lunglei, Champhai, Serchhip, Kolasib & Mamit is being undertaken. Also, 6 Veterinary Dispensaries at Mamit, Serchhip, Lawngtlai, Saitual, Khawzawl and Hnahthial have been upgraded to District Veterinary Hospitals and 33 Rural Animal Health Centers have been upgraded to Veterinary Dispensaries.Under National Animal Disease Control Programme, 100% coverage of ear tagging & vaccination of animals against FMD & Brucellosis is being rapidly carried out in the state.
17. Sericulture Department continues to provide sustainable occupation and is found to be most effective in replacing the devastating Jhum cultivation in the state. The existing Mulberry Plantation Area is 2131.01 sq.kms, Muga Plantation Area is 4941.59 sq.kms, Eri Plantation Area is 3718.36 sq.kms and Oak Tasar Plantation Area is 613.52 sq.kms. Production of Reeling Cocoon (upto November) of Mulberry is 186.09MT, Eri is 4.5MT, Muga is at 15.2 lakhs and Oak Tasar at 0.96 lakhs. Raw Silk Production for 2020-2021 (upto November) of Mulberry stands at 21.523MT, Eri at 3.6MT, Muga at 0.255MT and Oak Tasar at 0.016 MT.
Under Intensive Sericulture Development Project for Lunglei District, there are 600 beneficiaries with financial allocation of Rs.32.49 crores. There are also 1000 beneficiaries under Intensive Bivoltine Sericulture Development Project for women in Champhai District with financial allocation of Rs.30.14 crores, Integrated Muga Silk Development Project in Kolasib Dictrict for 500 beneficiaries with total project cost of Rs.1283.48 lakhs and Development of Ericulture in Mamit District for 500 beneficiaries, with total project cost of Rs.11.56 crores.
18. The activities of the Fisheries Department was badly affected due to the pandemic and has caused acute shortage of fish seeds leading to understocking. The state government is taking efforts to ease the difficulties faced by fish farmers by distributing 50.12 lakhs of Common carp fish seeds at 50% subsidized rate and another 20 lakhs of Major Carps seeds will be distributed during the present quarter. Also, to meet the fish feed requirement, 6265 quintals is being made available to fish farmers at 50% subsidized rate.
Under the new Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, a project of Rs.1172 lakhs has been approved, in which 4 new fish hatcheries at strategic locations, 10 Ha. of new fingerling areas and 70 Ha. of new ponds will be established. Besides this, 12 Backyard Ornamental Fish rearing units, 1 medium sized Ornamental rearing unit and 1 Cold storage of 10 tonne capacity will be established to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure. Under RKVY scheme during 2020-2021, training will be given to 300 farmers on the latest technology of fish farming.
19. The Legal Metrology Department regularly carried out verification of weights and measures used by traders, companies, firms, govt. department, etc. A total of 11262 Weights & Measures machines were verified and Stamping fees amounting to Rs.5,64,965 collected and deposited in the State Treasury. Inspection of Packaged Commodities & Contraventions was carried out 226 times and 69 cases were booked. Total no. of Traders carrying POL checked was 1493, total no. of LPG carrying truck checked was 1062 and total no. of Cement & Iron Rod dealers inspected was 135 altogether. Also, 27 defaulters under The Legal Metrology Act & Rules were booked and compounding fines of Rs.2,91,900/- was levied. During 2020-2021, Rs.50 lakhs each was received from Govt. of India for construction of Working Standard Laboratories at Saitual and Khawzawl.
20. The School Education Department strives to reach global education standards by continuous reform of our educational system. Out of 665 posts sanctioned by MHRD, 541 CSS Hindi Teachers have been engaged last year. One Secondary School was established recently at Silsury Village in Mamit District, four Higher Secondary Schools with Arts Stream were established in Sialsuk, East Phaileng, Phuaibuang and Sangau Village and two Higher Secondary Schools with Science Stream were also opened at Kawlbem and Vairengte. Reconstruction of 53 school buildings, construction of 12 laboratories and repair of 107 school buildings are underway. Construction of Teachers’ Training Complex at Lunglei under NLCPR, with a project cost of Rs.1040 lakhs, is near completion.
There are 1,414 Primary Schools and 1,086 Upper Primary schools in the State and as many as 91,859 enrolment in Primary School and 41,949 enrolment in Upper Primary School. Vocational Education has been introduced in 46 schools and the Central Govt. has released Rs.477.24 lakhs and the State Government also released matching share of Rs.351.90 lakhs as Adhoc Recurring Central Assistance for vocational education. Around 30,000 learners in low literacy areas are targeted under the centrally sponsored adult education programme of ‘Padhna Likhna Abhiyan’.
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Media Cell of the School Education Department started online classes for students having internet access, in collaboration with SCERT. Doordarshan Kendra Aizawl and Local Cable Channels-LPS & Zonet also started broadcasting the tutorials from mid-April. It is worth mentioning that the existing State contribution is much higher than mandatory fixed by Central Government towards Mid-Day Meal at elementary level.
21. Mizoram is the first state in India to declare Sports as an industry on 4th June, 2020. For development of sports infrastructure in the state, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India has approved projects worth Rs.22,873 lakhs under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram’ scheme and has sanctioned Rs.10192.13 lakhs as first installment for establishing Residential Sports Schools at Mamit, Kawrthah, Lawngtlai, Lunglei and West Phaileng as well as construction of Community Service Centres at Zawlnuam, West Phaileng, Chawngte and Bungtlang. Laying of artificial football turf at Chawngte and Hachhek and construction of District Sports Complex at Mamit will also be taken up. Under ‘Khelo India Scheme’, a total of Rs.1,550 lakhs was sanctioned by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs for laying artificial football turfs at Armed Veng, Muallungthu and Lengpui as well as Rs.550 lakhs for construction of Hockey Ground at Muallungthu. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has approved Rs.472 lakhs for construction of Sadbhav Mandap (community centre) at Mamit and Lawngtlai and has released Rs.127.44 lakh as first installment for the projects.
Under the state’s flagship programme of SEDP, a total of Rs.887.50 lakhs was provided in the budget for construction of 1st Bn MAP Ground, Armed Veng at Aizawl and Mamit Indoor Stadium. To augment the ongoing construction of Mamit Indoor Stadium, the State Government has allocated Rs.788.00 lakhs from Special Central Assistance. The State of Mizoram was among the first eight states approved by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs as ‘Khelo India State Centre of Excellence’ and three disciplines, viz. Boxing, Judo and Weightlifting will be initially promoted. The programme was launched on 22nd December, 2020 by the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports and made for Budgetary provision of Rs.225.75 lakhs for the financial year 2020-21 and subsequent annual recurring Budget of Rs.168.85 lakhs for 2021-22 onwards.
22. The ‘Mizoram State Sports Council (Amendment) Bill, 2020’ was passed by the Eighth Mizoram Legislative Assembly in its Sixth Session on 2nd September, 2020. The amendment confers upon the Mizoram State Sports Council authority in all technical matters in connection with construction of sports related infrastructures inside the state. Construction of Artificial Football Turf at Saitual, Mizoram amounting to Rs.538.81 lakhs, Zauva Sailo Memorial Tennis Centre at Lunglei, Mizoram at Rs.426 lakhs and Multipurpose Indoor Hall at Sihphir, Mizoram at a cost of Rs.1277.79 lakhs have been completed. Foundation stone of Aizawl Indoor Stadium, costing Rs.4.50 crores, under ‘Khelo India’ has been laid on 7th January, 2021. Amidst the pandemic Covid-19, ‘E-Pathshala –Athlete Coaching and Education Programme’ was launched in Mizoram on the 2nd October, 2020 and all coaches under the State Sports Council also attended the ‘2-Day Online Physical Training Course for Coaches’ organised by SAI during November 1-12, 2020.
23. The Higher & Technical Education Department smoothly conducted the State Medical and Technical Entrance Examination (SMATEE) on 29th September, 2020, in which 1318 candidates appeared. Total amount of Rs.58,50,854/- from Admission Fees, Tuition Fees and other sources was collected as revenue upto December, 2020. Construction of 19 college buildings, a Women’s Hostel at Govt. Aizawl North College and Water Harvesting Tank for Govt. Mamit College are going on. Other funds received were Rs.19.73 lakhs for construction of Women’s Hostel at Govt. Serchhip College, Rs.9.42 lakhs for demolition of top floor of Govt. Aizawl College and Rs.60 lakhs for engagement of 100 Casual Assistant Professors and 42 Casual Non-teaching Staff.
24. Through the efforts of the Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Department, the Mizoram Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board was constituted to provide various benefits and social security such as medical & disability benefits, children educational assistance, welfare pension, etc. During April-November 2020, as many as 13,102 new workers were registered under the Building & Other Construction Welfare Board. The total amount of fund sanctioned for the various workers’ welfare schemes was Rs.3,48,33,000/- during the year. Further financial assistance of Rs.3000/- each was given to registered workers and free ration for one month was provided to 51,451 BOC workers during the Covid-19 outbreak. A total amount of Rs.21,84,20,820/- was utilised by the Board for this purpose.
Presently, the department operates 3 Industrial Training Institutes in Aizawl, Lunglei and Siaha, with total number of 420 trainees for the current year. Also, the total number of trainees enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is 13,650, while 5,388 have already got job placement.
Under the Mizoram Youth Commission (MYC), Coaching Centres are being successfully operated in Aizawl and Lunglei and during the current financial year, 150 students got selected for various jobs in govt, private and bank sectors. MYC has rolled out an ambitious ‘SEDP Incentive Cash Award Scheme’ for successful candidates of various Central and State competitive examinations. Altogether, 41,622 numbers of job seekers are enrolled under the various District Employment Exchanges at Aizawl, Lunglei, Siaha and Champhai.
25. At present, there are 1,490 registered Cooperative Societies at Primary, District and State Level under the Cooperation Department. The cooperative sector contributed Rs.17,58,266/- towards Chief Minister’s Relief Fund in fighting against the Covid-19 crisis last year. MIZOFED Ltd. was authorized responsibility on vegetable supply chain during lockdown. The total cash contributed by different cooperative sectors towards supporting the various Task Forces was Rs.3,95,020/-.
Under Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana, 159 Van Dhan Kendras have been set up, a total of Rs.2306.55 lakhs sanctioned and Rs.581.55 lakhs has already been released for 44 Kendras. Under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, Rs.15.72 lakhs was transferred to 255 beneficiary bank accounts and under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, a total of Rs.27,79,500/- was transferred to 5,559 beneficiary bank accounts by the Mizoram Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd.
26. Despite COVID-19 pandemic posing a serious challenge to implementation of several health activities in the state, the Department of Health & Family Welfare continued to provide its optimum services to the citizens. Much of its resources were channeled towards averting and mitigating the pandemic, in close coordination with the Home & Disaster Management & Rehabilitation (DM&R) departments. As a result, Mizoram has the lowest number of cases detected and the lowest number of only 8 (eight) COVID-19 related deaths in the country till date. It is worth mentioning that 70 AYUSH doctors volunteered as COVID-19 frontline workers and have been deployed at various screening points in border areas, quarantine facilities, COVID Care Centres and Sample Collection Centres.
Under the Mizoram State Health Care Scheme, a total of 50,892 families have been enrolled, 11,245 claims made and Rs.33,00,85,734/- reimbursed to patients. Under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, a total 1,95,268 families were enrolled, 1,482 claims made and an amount of Rs.15,52,92,468/- utilised for cashless treatment. Also, 24,398 hospital admissions per lakh family was utilised in Mizoram, which is more than double the national average. The Food & Drugs Administration Wing inspected 766 drugs stores and Rs.4,83,845/- has been collected in revenues. Under Food Safety, 257 nos. of food business operators are registered and total revenue of Rs.4,38,100/- collected.
A new 50-bedded Tertiary Care Cancer Centre is under construction at the Mizoram State Cancer Institute, Zemabawk, through funding of Rs.16.26 crores through National Health Mission. Under National Health Mission, 108 Sub-Centres and 64 Urban & Rural Primary Health Centres have been upgraded into Health & Wellness Centres. Fully Immunization Coverage in the state stands at a high 88%. Under National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment, 771 cataract surgeries were carried out and 681 free spectacles distributed to children during the year (till Nov 2020). The State Vector Borne Disease Control Programme is being done on a war-footing and luckily, there has been no death in Mizoram due to Dengue till now. Status of Voluntary Blood Donation also stands at a high 91.44% in Mizoram.
27. Under Hospital & Medical Education, construction of 100-Bedded District Hospital-In Patient Department Block at Mamit is ongoing while 2 Bio-Digesters for proper disposal of Hospital waste of Aizawl Civil Hospital, Aizawl, amounting to Rs.50 lakhs, is completed. With funds from Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India, Trauma Centres in Govt. Civil Hospitals at Aizawl, Lunglei, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Serchhip, Champhai and Kolasib are being established.
28. The Election Department successfully conducted polls for the Bienniel Election to the Council of States on 19th June, 2020, in which 39 Legislators voted while 1 Legislator abstained and counting of votes was held on the same day. Pu K.Vanlalvena, Bawngkawn, Aizawl of the Mizo National Front was elected as M.P. (Rajya Sabha). Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls for Assembly Constituencies, with reference to 1st January, 2021 as qualifying date, has been successfully completed as per the instruction of the Election Commission of India. Final Electoral Roll was published on 20th January, 2021 in all 11 (eleven) Districts of Mizoram. Also, the 3 (three) new Deputy Commissioners of Saitual, Khawzawl and Hnahthial Districts have been designated as District Election Officers within their respective jurisdictions.
29. Printing & Stationery Department, through its activities of printing and supply of stationery and allied items to all the departments under Government of Mizoram, collected a total revenue of Rs.90,68,369 (upto November, 2020).
30. During Financial Year 2020-2021 (till November 2020), the Land Revenue & Settlement Department issued 302 House Passes, 1006 Land Settlement Certificates for Residence, 102 Land Lease Certificates and 10 LSC for Agricultural Lands. The department also settled 2751 mutation cases and 268 dispute cases. Total amount of Revenue collected upto November 2020 was Rs.1095.31 lakhs and total amount of Registration Fee & Stamp Duty collected upto November 2020 was Rs.1884.81 lakhs.
31. Under the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Mizoram has achieved 100% registration of births and deaths. At present, there are 746 Local Registration Units and 111 Medical Institution Units in Mizoram. Also, approval for opening of District Research Offices in the three new Districts of Khawzawl, Saitual and Hnahthial has been granted. Digitized Certificate of Births and Death has been introduced since October, 2020 and total Revenue Collection during April-December, 2020 stands at Rs.39,45,650 /-.
32. Horticulture Department is implementing the government’s flagship programme of SEDP, under which Model Bamboo Plantation is being carried out with at Lengpui and Hmunpui village, covering 213 beneficiaries. More than Rs.240.80 lakhs was earned from off-season production of Tomato during 2020, with a production of 3,010 qtls approx. Tuipui, Tualte and Zotlang villages in Khawzawl and Champhai Districts alone have already earned more than Rs.104 lakhs from open field cultivation of Tomato, while Hualtu village in Serchhip District has earned more than Rs.15 lakhs from Green House Cultivation of Tomato within 6 months.
Production of Dragon Fruit in Mizoram is also a remarkable achievement and its farmers generated an income of around Rs.300 lakhs last year and income is expected to be much more since harvesting is still going on. Under Post Harvest Development programme, construction of 1 Unit of Integrated Pack House/Cold Room of 100 MT capacity at Sairang Main Hub and Satellite Units of Integrated Pack House of 30 MT capacity each were established at Khawzawl, Serchhip, Kolasib and Lunglei Districts. Two Ripening Chambers were installed at major banana producing areas of Baktawng and Sesawng villages. Rejuvenation of old Mandarin Orange Orchards successfully resulted in increased production, estimated at 53984 MT with market value of around Rs.16 crores.
33. As a result of the tireless efforts of the Excise & Narcotics Department in controlling the menace of drug trafficking and abuse, 1008 persons were arrested under Narcotic Drugs & Psychotopic Substances Act, 1985, Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act, 2019 and Mizoram Excise Act, 1973 and in connection, 1176 cases were registered. Revenue amounting to Rs.42,64,300/- has been collected upto 30th November, 2020 against annual target of Rs.100 lakhs.
34. Directorate of Geology & Mineral Resources is administering the state’s minor mineral resources through ‘The Mizoram Minor Minerals Concession Rules, 2000’ and has erected 23 Checkgates at strategic locations for proper maintenance of mineral extraction and transportation. During February- December 2020, the Directorate has issued 85 new mining permits and renewed 407 mining permits. Royalty received from minor mineral investigation was Rs.3,63,37,307/- in total.
35. All 23 Notified Towns under the Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation Department have achieved ODF Status and in the nationwide cleanliness survey designated as ‘Swachh Survekshan’, Mizoram ranked 13th among the States. Also, aid was given to 2600 urban poor families under the ‘Support to Urban Poor’ programme during April 2020 amounting to Rs.26,00,000/- in total. Due to the successful implementation of AMRUT by Mizoram, the Government of India had awarded a Special Incentive Fund to the state, with which the Department is undertaking a special project called ‘Street Renovation of Tennis Court Junction’ at an estimated project cost of Rs.1.90 crore.
Under the ‘PMSVA Nidhi Scheme’, which was announced by the Govt. of India to provide financial aid to street vendors during the Covid-19 pandemic, 681 vendors benefited from it in Mizoram. Under the assistance scheme ‘PAHOSS’ for construction of parking houses within Aizawl City, 1023 out of 1420 total applications were found eligible for selection. Foundation stones were laid for the construction of (i) Multi Level Car Parking at Ramhlun South, Aizawl on 4th December, 2020, (ii) Multipurpose Recreational Centre and Community Centre/Hall at Zonuam, Aizawl on 9th December, 2020 and (iii) Bungkawn Community Hall, Aizawl on 11th December, 2020 .
At the initiative of the Aizawl Municipal Corporation, all Local Councils within its jurisdiction formed Local Level Task Forces on COVID-19, whose contributions during the crisis is truly praiseworthy. Besides various contributions to their respective wards, Councillors contributed one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. A sum of Rs.2,00,000/- was donated to Indian Medical Association (Mizoram) and 100 Solar Home lighting systems were also donated to Mizoram Police. Free Wifi internet access at 24 selected locations within Municipal area was implemented w.e.f August, 2020.
Under SIPMIU, the Aizawl Solid Waste Management Centre at Airfield Veng has been successfully operating since the last one year by receiving, treating and managing all the segregated municipal solid waste generated from the city. In fact, this centre has been found to have tremendously improved the general sanitation of the city and played a very important role in fighting the Covid 19 pandemic.
36. The total revenue collection of Taxation Department for the current financial year is Rs.37,071.31 lakhs (upto November, 2019). To prevent loss of revenue, the Department has created a Data Collection Centre at Old Vairengte Checkgate, to collect detailed statements of goods coming from outside the state.
37. The Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department covers 2,74,727 households with a total of 12,14,084 beneficiaries under its Public Distribution System (as on 20th Dec, 2020) , and due to its successful implementation, no report of starvation has been received from any part of the State. Under ‘PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana’, free rice of 5 kgs per person per month for 1,55,405 card holders was distributed from April to November, 2020, to relieve the poorer section during Covid-19 Lockdown period. Under National Food Security Act, free pulses and chana were distributed to beneficiaries across the State. Construction of 10 Intermediate Godowns at Kolasib, Darlawn, Khuangleng, Darlung, Reiek, Khawlailung, North Hlimen, Chawngte and Maubawk has been completed and 1 at Lawngtlai is near completion. Proposal for creation of DCSO Offices in the 3 new districts of Hnahthial, Khawzawl and Saitual is
also actively under process.
38. Through implementation of several Centrally Sponsored Schemes and the State Flagship Programme of SEDP, the Agriculture Department has seen progress over the years. Oil Palm area has increased to 26531 ha by year-end of 2019-20, which accounts for 2.34 % increase. The only Oil Palm Mill in the North East, having a capacity of 5 MT per hour, is located at Bukvannei, Kolasib. Under the ATMA scheme, training for 2,200 farmers, Exposure visit for 840 farmers, 208 Demonstrations on Improved Practice of Crop Cultivation for 4160 farmers, 4 Kissan Melas and 52 on-field Farmers’ Training were conducted during 2019-20.
The Department is implementing the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for promotion of Organic Farming in Mizoram, which now covers 13,000 hectares. This will benefit 14,104 farmers, 9 Farmer Producer Organisations and 5 Farmer Producer Companies. Two brand names under Mission Organic Mizoram (MOM) - ‘Kawlri’, a hot mizo chilli sauce developed by Serchhip Chilli FPO and ‘Dampa Mizo Chilli Pickle’, a traditional Chilli Pickle developed by West Phaileng FPO have successfully emerged.
To address the indiscriminate use of synthetic fertilizers, the project proposal for establishment of ‘OP-12 Bio fertilizer Production Unit’ at Neihbawi, Sihphir under SEDP, in collaboration with Mizoram University and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat amounting to Rs.125.311 lakhs was approved and sanctioned by the state Finance Department during 2019-20 and ground level work for construction of the laboratory building and procurement of laboratory equipments is underway.
39. Through upgrading efforts of the Commerce & Industries Department, 20 Industrial Units had benefitted to the tune of Rs. 218,297,689/- from Transport Subsidy, Central Capital Investment Subsidy, Comprehensive Subsidy and Interest Subsidy. Under PMEGP, margin money amounting to Rs.356.02 lakhs was given to 269 entrepreneurs. The department has set up 14 Industrial Estates at Zuangtui, Luangmual, Lengte, Sairang, Pukpui, Champhai Zote, Champhai Hmunhmeltha, Bairabi, Pangbalkawn, Meidum, Kolasib, Serchhip, Bilkhawthlir and Lawngtlai, accommodating around 259 industrial units.
Under its Handllom & Handicrafts Wing, implementation of 17 Cluster Development Project under the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India is completed. 10 Block Level Clusters under National Handloom Development Programme are being established. The Ministry of Textiles has also allotted 5280 persons to be covered under its scheme for capacity building. Project for setting-up of Handloom Production-cum-Training Centre at Phuaibuang with total cost of Rs.3.50 crore has been approved by NEC.
Under the Aizawl Smart City project, Rs.34 crores has been allocated for construction of Aizawl City Centre at New Market, Aizawl. Necessary steps are being taken to set up Integrated Check Posts at Kawrpuichhuah, Tlabung along the Indo-Bangladesh Border. The project will be taken up by the Land Port Authority of India, Ministry of Home Affairs. Site verification was conducted with Director, LPAI in December, 2020 and construction work is expected to start by September, 2021.
40. The Planning & Programme Implementation Department had provisioned Rs.148 crores from the State Fund for implementation of development works under the State’s Flagship Socio-Economic Development Policy (SEDP) in 2020-2021. However, as a fallout of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, 15% budgetary cut as economy measure was effected in the fund earmarked for SEDP during 2020-21.
Mizoram has performed rather well in implementing NEC funded projects in comparison to other states in the north east. As of now, there are 16 ongoing development projects under State Component. During 2020-21, fund amounting to Rs.83.37 crores has been released so far. During 2020-21, NEC also approved 6 new development projects, for which fund amounting to Rs.50 lakhs has been released till date for tendering formalities. Besides, Rs.3 crores has been received to support activities related to combating Covid-19 pandemic during FY 2020-21 and Rs.80 lakhs for procurement of PPE Suits and Test Kits. NEC has also approved Rs.3 crores for Livelihood and Gainful Employment to the Returnees of the State of Mizoram.
41. The Environment, Forests & Climate Change Department is working tirelessly towards maintaining a clean, green and healthy environment in the state. The conservation paradigm has shifted from government-centric to people-centric by promoting Joint Forest Management. More than 600 Village Forest Development Committees and Eco-Development Committees are managing the valuable forestry resources through collaboration approach. Recently, permission has been obtained from Central Zoo Authority to carry out animal exchange programme with Assam State Zoo, Guwahati. Tiger is likely to be taken from the Assam State Zoo and kept in Aizawl Zoological Park. In order to boost economy through value addition to forest produce, 8 (eight) licenses have been granted for establishment of Primary and Secondary Wood Based Industries in three districts namely Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit in the first phase.
Last year, 49,168 seedlings were planted under the Green Mizoram Programme despite the Covid 19 pandemic.
42. Due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the Administrative Training Institute could not follow its scheduled training programme for 2020-2021. As such, the Department conducted only 4 trainings as per the guidelines prepared by Disaster Management & Rehabilitation Department. The Directorate of Institutional Finance & State Lottery collected total revenue of Rs.331.49 lakhs from lottery business till December, 2020.
43. The Law & Judicial Department recruited 24 additional staff on co-terminus basis for expeditious disposal of Cases of Rape and Protection of Children against Sexual Offences. New Judicial Officer’s Residential Complexes at Mamit and Serchhip were completed and inaugurated. The Mizoram State Legal Services Authority amicably settled 374 cases in Lok Adalats and helped Banks to recover loans amounting to Rs.3,05,06,687/- through settlements.
44. The State Council for Educational Research & Training (SCERT) developed Alternative Academic Calendar for all the stages of elementary education amidst the pandemic last year. Under the NISHTA initiative, 3233 teachers in Mizoram are undergoing online training through DIKSHA App. It is worth mentioning that 58 students appeared for University Examinations and 56 students have successfully passed the B.Ed. Special Education Course with a high percentage of 96.5%.
45. The Tlungvel Solar Power Plant under the Power & Electricity Department, constructed at a cost of Rs.1400 lakhs from State Plan Fund, was successfully commissioned and inaugurated on 4th December, 2020. Also, the second and alternative power incoming line for Southern Mizoram funded by DoNER, from Aizawl (Melriat) to Lunglei (Khawiva), was completed and successfully commissioned on 14th August, 2020.
46. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Information & Public Relations Department successfully organised 6 programmes via online mode for painters, film makers and photographers. These programmes also provided them a certain amount of financial incentives. 19 film makers were also given financial assistance for the production of short films and documentaries. Medical assistance to the tune of Rs.13,10,300/- and ex-gratia to the tune of Rs.3,50,000/- were provided to members of MJA and their families.
Today as we gather here, let us remember that Republic Day is not just another Indian festival. We celebrate it because on this day, India was declared a democratic republic and the Constitution of India came into force after long years of struggle. In return, we too have the responsibility to uphold the fundamental ideals of justice, liberty, equality and brotherhood amongst ourselves. Let the spirit of congratulatory joy of this Republic Day, shared between all the people of this great nation, continue to grow and let us re-pledge our commitment to lead the country in the right direction and onto greater heights.
Since the Covid-19 gloom is yet far from being over, I urge the people of Mizoram to continue to observe all health cautions stringently. Their adherence to COVID-19 containment and safety protocols has hugely contributed to Mizoram being one of the least affected states in the country. I once again applaud the exemplary efforts of the state government, churches, NGOs and civil society in containing the Covid-19 pandemic in the state.
Ka lawm e.
Jai Hind.
