SPEECH OF THE HONOURABLE GOVERNOR OF MIZORAM Dr. HARI BABU KAMBHAMPATI ON THE OCCASION OF THE 73rd REPUBLIC DAY, 2022 AT A.R. GROUND, AIZAWL
Dear Fellow Citizens and Friends,
On the occasion of India’s Seventy-Third Republic Day, I extend my warm greetings, felicitations and best wishes to all the people of Mizoram and fellow citizens throughout the country. It is unfortunate that due to Covid-19 safety protocols, we need to once again scale down our celebrations of this momentous day. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the progressive strides being made by our nation in all spheres are effectively empowering every section of society, to strengthen the India of tomorrow. In order to build an inclusive society of new India, we are giving special emphasis on education, health, nutrition, upliftment of the under-privileged and welfare of women.
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic for the past two years, the resilient efforts of the Mizoram State Government, supplemented by the tireless service rendered by the churches, NGOs, civil society and all frontline workers have together aided in mitigating the impact of the pandemic in our state. I also express my gratitude to the media persons across the state for their immense support and cooperation in educating the public in various issues, but especially regarding the safeguards and appropriate behaviour during the prevalent Covid-19 pandemic. The vaccination programme could not have been as successful in Mizoram if it had not been for the wide publicity and campaign through the media. Due to our combined efforts, we have one of the lowest mortality rates among all the states in the country and hence, I must express my gratitude to the government, the various health and social organisations and the people of Mizoram at large, who continue the relentless battle against the pandemic in a stoic and indefatigable manner.
1. The State Government has taken several concrete steps to strengthen the internal security of the state and there has been no major law and order problem in the state of Mizoram in the past year. The Mizoram Police has been tirelessly combating arms smuggling, illicit drugs and narcotic substances. During 2021, Mizoram Police seized illicit drugs and narcotics worth Rs.51.56 crore, 39 nos. of arms and 4307 nos. of ammunitions and 16 cases were registered. During 2021-2022, construction of various barracks at Mizoram-Assam border have been undertaken under SEDP with an amount of Rs.82.66 lakh and the works are almost completed. Establishment of Company Hqrs. at Vairengte under SEDP for Rs.2.23 crore was approved and preparation for the work is also in progress. In order to prevent Human Rights violation, the State Government released Rs.2.00 crore as 1st installment for installation of CCTV with audio recorder at all Police Stations and Out-Posts and installation work is in progress.
Under the Fire & Emergency Services, Fire Safety Audits were conducted at 9 SBI Currency Chest Branches last year. Also, 67 nos. of domestic Fire Calls, 199 nos. of Forest Fire Calls and 1 other Emergency Call were received and promptly attended to. The total amount salvaged was Rs.860 crore approx. and a total of Rs.2,20,086/- was collected from NOC fees as government revenue.
2. My government is much concerned with the menace of drug trafficking and drug abuse. The Excise & Narcotics Department continues to make all-out efforts to control this menace. As a result, 1804 persons were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act, 2019 and the Mizoram Excise Act, 1973 during the current financial year 2021-2022 (upto 30.11.2021) and in connection with the arrests, 1959 cases were registered. Revenue amounting to Rs.71,12,245.00/- has already been collected during the current financial year 2021-2022 (upto 30.11.2021).
3. Roads are the arteries through which the economy pulses and thus, road projects remain among the prioritized projects of the State Government. During 2021-22, Mizoram PWD has completed certain road projects despite the pandemic. Certain projects like Champhai-Zokhawthar road, Tlabung-Kawrpuichhuah and Chhumkhum-Chawngte road constructed under World Bank Fund and Serchhip-Buarpui road constructed under Asian Development Bank were completed during last year. Mizoram PWD has also taken up PMGSY Schemes in rural areas, under which 14 habitations were connected and 210 km. of road length was also completed. Mizoram PWD is also currently maintaining 135 bridges and during 2021-22, construction of 7 new bridges was completed, namely, Steel D-bow Truss Girder Bridge over R.Mat in Serchhip to Thenzawl road, RCC Bridge over R.Hmarliana lui, Truss Bridge over R.Peka lui, R.Chengkawl lui and R.Borai lui, RCC Bridge over R.Daplui on NH 44A and Bailey Bridge over R.Serlui on NH 306A. Under Maintenance and Construction of building works, Mizoram PWD is maintaining about 2250 buildings and have ongoing construction of 57 building, out of which 25 nos. were completed during the current year.
4. Under the Power & Electricity Department, construction of 2x25MVA 132/33KV Sub-Station at Kawmzawl, Lunglei to cater to the load growth of Lunglei District, at an estimated cost of Rs.1690 lakh, funded under Special Assistance to State for Capital Expenditure has been completed, test charged and will be commissioned soon. Also, 6.3MVA 132/33KV Sub-Station at E.Lungdar, with improvement of 132kV line Bukpui to Khawzawl, was completed at a cost of Rs.795.76 lakh with funds from SEDP. This will not only provide more power for E.Lungdar and surrounding areas but also serve as second incoming line for Champhai and Khawzawl Districts. Four new projects will soon be taken up under Special Assistance to State for Capital Expenditure for construction and strengthening of sub-stations at Lawngtlai, Marpara, Luangmual and Sihhmui.
5. The invaluable aspect of Health makes it a true asset for the survival and prosperity of both society and economy. The Govt. of Mizoram allocated an amount of Rs.76.21 lakh for improvement & upgradation of Mizoram State Cancer Institute, Zemabawk, Aizawl under SEDP and necessary action is being undertaken. An amount of Rs.450 lakh for Construction of Trauma Centre, Civil Hospital Aizawl and Rs.300 lakh for Construction of Trauma Centre, Civil Hospital Lunglei were also allocated in addition to the Central Grant.
In 2021, the Mizoram College of Nursing became the first and only stand-alone nursing college in the North East to achieve accreditation from National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). It is also among the institutions selected by All India Council for Technical Education for the ‘Prime Minister Special Scholarship Scheme’. Recently, two male students from Jammu & Kashmir have been admitted to the institution under this scheme.
The proposal for Construction of Multi-Departments Laboratory, including RT-PCR Laboratory for Southern Mizoram in Lunglei, Mizoram, with estimated cost of Rs 781.00 lakh has been submitted to the Planning Department for onward submission to the North Eastern Council. With approved cost of Rs 118.69 lakh from CMRF, TrueNat Laboratories have been established at 10 District Hospitals viz. Siaha, Lawngtlai, Champhai, Serchhip, Mamit, Kolasib, Khawzawl, Hnahthial, Saitual and Lunglei. With sanction from the State Budget amounting to Rs 62.51 lakh, TrueNat Laboratories have been set up in 10 District Hospitals. An amount of Rs.523 lakh from the State Budget was also used for upgradation and improvement of ICU, Civil Hospital Aizawl. 25 (twenty-five) Ventilators were procured for combating Covid-19, with sanction of Rs.325 lakh from the State Government.
I thank the many concerned individuals, prominent citizens, various associations, banks and firms for their generous contributions towards the government funds, both in cash and kind, which have gone a long way in strengthening the health care facilities for the people of the state during the current pandemic.
6. Sustainable progress has been made under Agriculture Department through implementation of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes during 2021-22. The National Food Security Mission-Oil Palm scheme has been revamped and is being implemented in 7 Districts, viz. Aizawl, Kolasib, Mamit, Serchhip, Lunglei, Lawngtlai & Siaha Districts. Potential area of 6,730 ha. has been developed for Oil Palm cultivation, involving 10,843 farmers from 197 villages of Mizoram. The total Oil Palm FFBs sold to the partner companies till Oct, 2021 is 38821.259 metric tonne. Also, in order to overcome the shortage of production of indigenous seed sprouts of Oil Palm, two units of Oil Palm Seed Garden covering 30 ha. of Departmental land at West Serzawl, Mamit District has been established in association with ICAR-IIOPR, Pedavegi, Andhra Pradesh.
Under the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization scheme, fund amounting to Rs.3516.56 lakh was received and utilised for providing subsidy to individual and group of farmers for purchase of farm machineries. Also, cultivation of Value Chain Crops like Mizo chilli & ginger has been intensely taken up. Mithun Farms have become popular in Champhai and Serchhip districts in convergence with MNREGS. Backyard Poultry under FOCUS has been set up in Champhai, Kolasib, Serchhip and Mamit covering 3848 households.
Under the State Flagship Programme of SEDP, the department has taken up construction of link roads, department offices and staff quarters, cultivation of Maize and Pulses in all the districts of the State. In collaboration with the ICAR Research Complex for N.E.H. Region, two local landraces of Maize, namely Mizo Puakzo-1 and Mizo Mimpui-1 were released as ‘State Variety’ through the Mizoram State Seed Sub-Committee for Agricultural and Horticultural Crops on 17th March, 2021.
7. During Covid 2nd wave Lockdown last year, the Horticulture Department continued to implement its ‘Vegetable and Fruit Supply Chain’ through which locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables were made available to the needy people of Mizoram, especially in Aizawl City and District Headquarters. I am glad that this initiative has been appreciated by everyone as it serves the dual purpose of helping the farmers to sell their produces at meaningful price and at the same time ensuring uninterrupted supply of locally fresh fruits and vegetables to the city dwellers during lockdown. Through the Supply Chain, farmers could continue to sell their produce, earning an income of Rs.3.53 crore.
During the calendar year of 2021, more than Rs.597.50 lakh was earned from off-season tomato with a production of 10363.25qtls till date, which is expected to increase further as harvesting continues. Off-season cabbage during rainy season also helped farmers tremendously in earning better price, garnering an income of Rs.262 lakh with total production of 11951.20 qtls during the past year. The success of Watermelon cultivation in the state is worth mentioning. Four varieties - Sato, Africana, Abhisek and Madhuri - have been successfully cultivated in Saitual (Ngopa, Lamzawl & Pawlrang), Kolasib (Chemphai) and Serchhip (Mat phai & Sailulak) Districts. The annual income of the farmers is estimated to be around Rs.85.00 lakh approximately with a total production of 1640 qtls.
To meet the demand of market both domestic and outside state, cluster expansion of Dragon fruit cultivation has been implemented. During the year 2021, dragon fruit farmers earned an income of Rs.630 lakh approximately from 3500 qtls. Large scale cultivation of Pineapple has been taken up in Khawzawl, Serchhip, Mamit, Lawngtlai and Aizawl Districts. The average annual production during peak season for the year 2020-2021 was over 26,537.5qtls, earning an income of Rs.437 lakh. Cultivation of ginger occupies an important place in most of the jhumlands across the state. The major varieties grown in the state, Thingpui and Thinglaidum, have recently received G.I tag as ‘Mizo Ginger’.
8. During 2021-2022, the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department implemented various schemes in Piggery, Goatery & Poultry Development, Feed and Fodder Development for the upliftment of rural economy. A total of Rs.943.24 lakh has been received under National Livestock Mission. Construction of Four District Hospitals was completed and inaugurated in order to strengthen and improve Veterinary Health Care Service in the State. Construction of Hatchery building with a capacity of 5000 hatching eggs, Brooder and Layer House was completed under RIDF-NABARD with the Project Cost of Rs. 519.87 lakhs at Lunglei to fulfil supply gap in Southern Districts of Mizoram. To increase public investment in agriculture and allied services, the Department has taken up further activities towards strengthening of Hospital facilities, Backyard Poultry and Piggery Farming under RKVY with the fund provision of Rs.212.50 lakh during 2021-2022. Also, 37 Rural Animal Health Centres were upgraded to Veterinary Dispensary and 6 Veterinary Dispensary upgraded to District Veterinary Hospital.
The highly contagious African swine fever was first detected in Lungsen Village, Lunglei District on 21st March, 2021. It has claimed the lives of 29,821 pigs affecting 9461 families in 11 districts. A total no. of 10,381 pigs was culled. Compensation for culled pigs amounting to Rs.11.69 crore was submitted to Government of India. As of now, the outbreak of disease is more or less controlled and contained.
9. Lockdown also badly affected the Fisheries sector. Acute shortage of fish seeds and decline of about 38% in fish production from the previous year was witnessed during 2021-22. The Government of India launched a new scheme ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana’ (PMMSY) to be implemented between 2020-2021 to 2024-2025, under which 50% of the Central share, i.e. Rs.986.77 lakh) has been released during 2020-2021. Under the PMMY Scheme, 6 new fish hatcheries will be established, fish brood bank projects will be implemented at Departmental Thenzawl Fish Seed Farm production, 144 hectares of new ponds will be established, assistance for establishment of backyard ornamental fish rearing unit will be given, 2 cold storages of 10 tonne capacity each will be established at Aizawl and Kolasib and 4 fish retail kiosks will be set up in Aizawl, Ngaizel and Bawngkawn localities.
10. Under Jal Jeevan Mission taken up by the Public Health Engineering Department, out of the total number of 1,33,132 rural households, 61,850 nos. of rural households have been covered with Functional House Tap Connection (FHTC) and 209 villages have been fully covered with FHTC upto November, 2021. Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), 4 units of Plastic Waste Management Units have been installed and 4 units are ongoing in another 4 districts. Under NLCPR, construction of Dam Reservoir and Development of Recreation Centre at Keilungliah are being executed. Alternate Gravity Water Supply Scheme of Aizawl is also being executed under NESIDS. As many as 19 Water Supply Schemes are being taken up under NABARD and 3 Projects under AMRUT are also in good progress.
The PHE Department has recorded as many as 1,06,130 nos. of House Water Connections under Urban areas while 61,850 nos. of House Water Connections have also been provided under Rural areas (as on 30th November, 2021). Sainik School & Chhingchhip Water Supply Scheme under NLCPR and Biate Water Supply Scheme under 10% GBS have been completed. During 2020-2021, the Department collected water revenue of Rs.5,471.01 lakh.
11. During 2021-22, the Irrigation & Water Resources Department has been implementing 36 Minor Irrigation Projects under ‘PMKSY-Har Khet Ko Pani’ in the form of Clusters of 14 Projects and 22 Projects, at a total estimated cost of Rs.4246.92 lakh. These projects will cover command area of 1723 ha. with total beneficiaries of 1055 farmers. Loan sanction of Rs.994.26 lakh for another 6 Irrigation Projects in Mizoram under RIDF-XXVII (NABARD) was received and these projects will cover an area of 262 ha. and benefit 188 farmers. In addition, 13 Groundwater Irrigation Schemes, covering 6 districts of the state, with a total estimated cost of Rs.1604.89 lakh have been implemented under PMKSY-HKKP (Groundwater Irrigation). The project covers 553 ha. and will benefit 468 farmers.
Allocation of fund amounting to Rs.227.15 lakh for Chawmzau Groundwater Irrigation Project, Serchhip under RIDF-XXVI (NABARD) has been received during 2020-21 and is scheduled to be completed within 2022-23 FY. The Project for Repair & Restoration of Completed Minor Irrigation Projects at the cost of Rs.568.00 lakh was completed during 2021-22 FY, covering an area of 4889 ha. and benefitted by 1886 farmers. The project for Rebuilding Totally Washed Away/Damaged Infrastructure during Floods was also taken up and completed during 2020-21, at the total estimated cost of Rs.333.00 lakh. During this year, procurement of Real Time Data Acquisition System equipment as well as various hydrological and survey instruments like Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter, Current meters, ADCP, DGPS, Digital Level, Resistivity meter, Water Quality Sonde, etc. were procured.
12. The Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department is working efficiently for 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. At present, 444 Village Forest Development Committees, 76 Eco-Development Committees and 894 Biodiversity Management Committees are functional in the State for managing the valuable forestry resources through a collaboration approach. ‘Green Mizoram Day’ is observed every year on 11th of June and last year (2021), 147,043 seedlings were planted and distributed under this programme despite Covid-19 pandemic. For mitigating climate change, the first State Action Plan on Climate Change is being implemented in the state.
Under preservation of healthy wildlife habitats, animal exchange programme with Assam State Zoo, Guwahati was carried out. In order to boost the state’s economy through value addition to forest produce, 14 licences have been granted for establishment of Primary and Secondary Wood Based Industries in three districts namely Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit. Another 30 applicants for Wood Based Industries have also been recommended by the State Level Committee for grant of licences.
13. Realizing the significance and importance of education, my Government has given due focus and priority for development of the School Education Department. Last year, 59 Primary School Teachers were appointed on Muster Roll basis and under SEDP Scheme, 157 High School Teachers were engaged to meet acute shortage of teachers for a period of 10 months. Adult Education under ‘Padhna Likhna Abhiyan’ is being carried out in 4 districts, ie. Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lunglei and Mamit and 22800 illiterate adults are estimated to have been made literate. Total Literacy Drive is also going on in Siaha, Lawngtlai and Mamit Districts.
Residential Orientation Course in Physical Education Training for Primary School Teachers and One Day Sensitization on Fit India and Zonal Sports for Primary and Middle School Teachers were conducted throughout last year in various districts. Auro Scholars Programme was opened on 16th November, 2021 for the improvement of students and teachers in partnership with Shri Aurobindo Society. The department has also been giving multiple benefits for 2909 Children with Special Needs in Elementary level and 1392 students in Secondary Education. Under Vocational Education, Information Technology & Information Technology Enabled Services (IT&ITES), Agriculture, Beauty & Wellness, Automotive and Apparel Madeups
& Home Furnishing Trades Courses were newly added to 5 Govt. High Schools. Currently, there are 52 schools (37 HS & 15 HSS) with Vocational Education courses across the state.
The pandemic threatened to derail the young generation’s learning process, but institutions and teachers quickly adopted new technology and ensured that there was no break in education. I am also proud to say that many Government Schools in different parts of Mizoram have been dedicated as Covid Care Centres and Teachers working in these schools have contributed so much of their time by performing different roles.
14. The Department of Higher & Technical Education successfully administers 21 Government Colleges and 5 Government Technical & Professional Institutions, alongwith 3 Collegiate Boys’ Hostels and 2 Collegiate Girls’ Hostels located in Aizawl and Shillong, 61 affiliated Computer Institutions, 16 Affiliated Paramedical Institutions, Integrated Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Training and 3 Stenography Institutions. Land for establishment of Mizoram University Southern Campus at Lunglei has been acquired at Pukpui. Groundwork preparation has been completed for opening of Post Graduate Degree courses in 3 government colleges.
By means of RUSA scheme, infrastructure facilities and assets like Library Buildings, Academic Buildings, Hostel, Administrative Buildings, College Auditoriums, Cafeteria, Rainwater reservoirs, classrooms, etc. have been constructed for Govt. J. Thankima Collage, Govt. Siaha College, Govt. Mamit College and Govt. Hnahthial College and 15 other Colleges.
In order to alleviate the financial hardship posed by COVID-19 pandemic on the students and parents, one time reduction of admission fees has been implemented in all Government colleges and other institutions under Higher & Technical Education Department during the Academic Session of 2021. Apart from creation of human capital resources, the Department generated substantial amount of revenue to the tune of Rs.209.20 lakh during the fiscal year 2021-2022.
15. The Information & Communication Technology Department has taken up ‘Establishment of Smart Classroom in Minority Concentration Areas of Mizoram’ under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) in 20 Schools of Minority Concentration Areas. The project is already started and is expected to complete within 12 months’ time. The ICT Department has developed Govt. of Mizoram Content Management System, which is currently utilised by 256 departments and organizations under Government of Mizoram. Online Application System with payment gateway, sms gateway and mobile app facilities was developed for Mizoram Subordinate Services Selection Board (MSSSB) to enable applicants to submit their application and received their admit card online.
IT Education for 150 schools was taken up under the financial assistance of NEC. Under Bharat Net Phase-I, 41 Village Councils have been covered and under phase-II, 235 VSAT sites are now operational and work is in progress in remaining 279 sites. Under Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP), mobile telephone towers have been set up and commissioned in 215 villages. The ICT Department is in the process of establishing Incubation Infrastructure Centre with 100 seats in Aizawl with the financial assistance of NEC, which is expected to be completed in one year’s time.
16. The Science & Technology Department has set up an Innovation Facility Centre at Aizawl to provide scientific and technical assistance to grass-root innovators and nurturing their skills, providing institutional support mechanism, delivering of low cost and affordable machinery, and providing assistance in safeguarding of Intellectual Property Rights. Also, Science Centre and Digital Planetarium is being established at Zohnuai, Lunglei for promotion and inculcation of scientific temperament in southern Mizoram. The Centre is anticipated to serve an important role in promoting and popularising scientific concepts and become a milestone for the state.
17. The Local Administration Department has completed transfer of Rs.93 crore allocated by the XV Finance Commission for the year 2020-2021 to all Village Councils of Mizoram to empower the rural local bodies for meeting location-specific felt needs such as drinking water supply, rainwater harvesting and sanitation in rural areas. Under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, the Department recently distributed 25 computer sets to Village Councils under the component of e-Enablement of rural local bodies, bringing the total distribution of computer sets to Village Councils to 180 till date. In addition, a Project-based support for income development and enhancement called ‘Arecanut Leaf Plate Production Project’ is underway at Bilkhawthlir South Village Council at a total cost of Rs.43.00 lakh with the objective of supporting the local Self Help Groups (SHGs) by providing opportunity to work for their own economic development and to enhance the Own Resource Revenue (OSR) of the Village Council.
18. During the current financial year, an average of 78 days employment has been provided under Rural Development to all the active Job Card Holders in all villages within Mizoram till date. A total of 208,652 households have been issued Job Cards so far and all were provided employment during the Financial Year 2021-2022. During the current Financial Year of 2021-2022, Ministry of Rural Development released Rs.35896.1 lakh as Central Assistance under the scheme and total number of 18722 works under different categories has been taken up and 15159 works completed during the current FY. Also, 3919 number of works under Natural Resource Management, 11050 works under Individual Land and 3753 works under Rural Infrastructure were taken up under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA during the year.
Under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin, 6600 households have received 1st installment, 6414 households have received 2nd installment, 5703 households have received 3rd installment and 4778 households have received 4th installment till date. Also, the State has provided assistance to 5396 rural households for construction of pucca houses under the scheme. Under Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission, the State of Mizoram received Rs.50.26 crore as Critical Gap Funding from the Ministry till date and awarded 4 clusters at Aibawk, Thingsulthliah, East Lungdar and Khawzawl.
During FY 2021-22, the Mizoram State Rural Livelihood mobilised 14,436 households into 1029 Self Help Groups across 26 RD Blocks, and 7 Cluster Level Federations were also formed. Vulnerable Reduction Plan was rolled out into 201 villages, in which total amount of Rs.426.25 lakh of Community Funds was provided to various SHGs and Village Organisations. Under Farm Livelihoods intervention, 47 new villages were entered covering 3601 new Mahila Kisans and 4144 nutritional garden set up to enhance nutrition consumption and production in the rural areas. Also, 27 Custom Hiring Centres were set up till November, 2021 for drudgery reduction of women farmers. Bank loan amounting to Rs.1120 lakh was sanctioned to 522 SHGs. 174 Bank Correspondent (BC Sakhi) transacted Rs.1702 lakh within November, 2021 from a total of 26,959 transactions. Under DDU-GKY, 165 candidates were trained and 85 candidates were placed for employment.
The Ministry of Home Affairs approved total allocation of Rs.2731.00 lakh for implementation of BADP to the State during 2020-2021, out of which 50% has been sanctioned and 176 works have been implemented. Social audit of 272 villages has so far been done and plan is also being made to audit all 858 villages of Mizoram during the coming Financial Year.
19. During the FY 2021-22, inspite of Covid pandemic, the Land Revenue & Settlement Department issued 512 house Passes, 589 Land Settlement Certificate for Residence, 91 Land Lease Certificate, 37 LSCs for Agricultural Land, 76 Agri Land Periodic Patta, 296 Transfer of ownership of P. Patta, 85 Re-issues of P. Patta and 2266 Renewal of P. Patta. Also, 3534 mutation cases and 150 dispute cases were settled. The Department is also conducting drone survey under the SVAMITVA Scheme under the Ministry of Panchayanti Raj and 10 villages have been completed so far. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities in 48 villages were also done.
The amount of Revenue (Non Tax) collected from April to November, 2021 is Rs.103.85 lakh and the amount of Revenue Tax collected stands at Rs.555.05 lakh. The amount of Registration Fee & Stamp duty collected upto November, 2021 is Rs.1001.02 lakh.
20. Under the Sports & Youth Services Department, various sports infrastructure projects were satisfactorily completed and inaugurated recently. Laying of Football Turf at Hnahthial and Saitual was completed on 2nd & 14th December, 2021. Open Gyms at Mualpui and MINECO, Aizawl were inaugurated on 26th February & 23rd November, 2021 respectively. In addition, construction of Multipurpose Sports Complex at Joint YMA Field, Vaivakawn, Mini Sports Complex at Sakawrdai and laying of Synthetic Football Turf at Lengpui are completed and will be operational soon.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram scheme has approved Rs.18,858.49 lakh for implementation of various projects in Minority Concentration Areas in the State. The Ministry has sanctioned Rs.8410.72 lakh as first installment during the FY 2021-22 for establishing three Community Service Centres, laying of two Astro Football Turf and one Synthetic Hockey Turf, establishing two District Sports Complex, construction of two Futsal Grounds and construction of twenty eight Volleyball Courts and Basketball Courts each. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India has also recently conveyed approval for opening of two Khelo India Centres in Kolasib district for Hockey and Football discipline at RSTC, Kolasib and at Boys’ Hockey Academy, Kawnpui.
Mizoram’s Jeremy Lalrinnunga won Gold in Men’s 67 kg category in the Senior Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, 2021 and secured 7th place in the Senior World Weightlifting Championships, 2021 held at Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He also won Gold at the 73rd Men’s Senior National Weightlifting Championships held at Patiala, Punjab on August 2021. Lalchhanhimi has won Bronze in the Women’s 71 kg Senior Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, 2021 held at Tashkent, Uzbekistan. She also won Gold at the 36th Women’s Senior National Weightlifting Championships held at Patiala, Punjab in August 2021.
21. Under the Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Department, PAHOSS coverage which was initially for Aizawl Municipal Corporation Area only, was extended to three Districts Headquarters, viz. Lunglei, Champhai and Kolasib. The fund allocation for Lunglei town is Rs.400 lakh and Rs.250 lakh each for Champhai & Kolasib. Altogether, 1458 applications have been received under the Scheme and 403 approved, out of which 11 beneficiaries have fully completed the construction of Parking Houses.
During 2021-2022, 1380 houses were grounded and 344 houses constructed under PMAY-HFA(U) Mission. Setting up of Septage Management Unit at Aizawl as well as production of 908 biodigester tanks and conversion of 1664 conventional septic tanks were also completed. Mizoram ranks eighth in the National State Ranking in AMRUT portal (as on 14th December, 2021). In Swachh Survekshan 2021, Mizoram stood at 1st Rank as ‘Fastest Mover State’ and also bagged 2 regional awards, ie. Lunglei for ‘Best City in Citizens’ Feedback in the North East Zone’ and Biate for ‘Best City in Citizens’ Feedback in North East Zone’. Two projects under Aizawl Smart City, namely, Procurement of Traffic Bollards and Pelican Crossing System have been completed.
During 2021-2022, the Aizawl Municipal Corporation has been giving tireless effort for collection and disposal of Covid-19 waste from Community Quarantine Facilities, Covid Care Centres and Community Covid Care Centres within the Municipal area. During this period, a sum of Rs.2.50 lakh was released to each 19 Councillors for Covid-19 Relief Fund to meet basic needs of their respective Wards. Construction of footpath and extension of vehicle road at Chaltlang to Chanmari Road, covering 237 meters in length, with total project cost of Rs.300.316 lakh, was completed in September, 2021.
22. Since the inception of North-East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIPP), 2007, the Commerce & Industries Department has given subsidies to the tune of Rs. 218,297,689/- benifitting 20 Industrial Units. Also, 2637 Industrial Units have been registered under Udyam Registration till date. Under the scheme of Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), margin money amounting to Rs.1045.02 lakh was given to 418 entrepreneurs during the year, creating as many as 3344 employments. Revenue collected upto November, 2021 by the Commerce Wing was Rs.86.15 lakh.
The Department has set up 14 Industrial Estates, which accommodate around 285 industrial units. Construction of Lunglei Market and Trade Centre at Chanmari Veng, Lunglei amounting to Rs.14.50 crore has been approved by NEC and work will be started shortly. Under Bamboo Development Agency, establishment of processing units for value addition of bamboo both in government and private sectors was taken up.
23. The Department of Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship continues to secure numerous achievements conducive for manpower development and sustainable development of the state. During last year, 1,629 workers were newly registered and 10,825 workers’ registrations renewed, bringing the total number of registered workers under the Welfare Board to 63,936.
The Mizoram Youth Commission has taken up various projects for Civil Service aspirants (UPSC) such as IAS Coaching Full Sponsorship, Offline Coaching Centres, MYC Mega Hybrid IAS Coaching Scholarship Exam and ‘IAS Corner’ Library. The Department is implementing Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), the largest Skill Certification Scheme of the Government of India, for the period of 2021-2022. Total number of 1955 trainees enrolled under the Scheme during the current FY and 148 among them have got job placement.
24. Under Public Distribution System, the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department distributed rice to 11,89,792 individuals (as per November, 2021 allotment). In addition, advance stocking of 2,04,291 qtls of rice at 91 Supply Centres have been completed for remote areas, which are inaccessible during rainy season. The excellent implementation of PDS has ensured no death from malnourishment or starvation in the state. Central Schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, One Nation One Ration Card Programme, Ration Card Management System and Computerisation of PDS are also being successfully carried out.
25. Grant-in-Aid from Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is given to NGOs and VOs through the Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs Department and a total amount of Rs.1,64,02,603/- has been sanctioned by the Ministry to provide support for 9 NGOs/VOs during 2020-21. Also, grants amounting to Rs.69,63,997/- have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs during FY 2020-21.
Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs Department is also the nodal department for implementing the Drug Demand Reduction Programme in the state under ‘National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction’ formulated by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Till date, 1800 youths including parents were provided awareness on drug use and 725 college lecturers, YMA leaders, NGOs running de-addiction cum rehabilitation centres were provided trainings on drug abuse.
26. During the fiscal year of 2020-21, the Transport Department earned revenue amounting to Rs.3421.01 lakh from its various services. During the year, 25816 vehicles were registered, 28679 nos. of Driving Licenses and 2599 Conductor Licenses were also issued to applicants who passed tests conducted by the Department. The Department has 36 serviceable buses, which could not ply due to lockdown but were utilised for shifting of stranded people to their respective places even in the neighbouring states, as well as for transferring effected people to the hospital and Covid Care Centres.
27. Under GAD Aviation Wing, improvement & upgradation of Lengpui Airport is currently underway with funding from Special Assistance to State for Capital Expenditure and NESIDS. New flight service from Lengpui Airport to Shillong/Agartala/Guwahati and New Delhi has also been introduced. The State Government also increased Helicopter service from the second week of December, 2021 to Saitual and Tlabung villages.
28. Amid the Covid-19 crisis, it is indeed commendable that the Tourism Department has been making endless efforts for development of tourism, focusing on post-covid strategy for revival of tourism in the State. ‘Anthurium Festival 2021’ was organised during October, 2021 at Aizawl and ‘Winter Festival 2021’ was also celebrated with a series of events during December 2021. The Department is also planning to organize Bicycle Rally as part of Winter Festival during the month of January-February, 2022. Also, 89 students have successfully completed the Tour Guide Training programme and Workshop for Prescribed Authorities was also conducted in April, 2021.
29. The Art & Culture Department received Rs.4.136 crore as 1st Instalment for on-going construction of Regional Museum at Lunglei and State Matching Share of Rs. 91.90 lakh was also sanctioned by State Govt. Also, 3rd Instalment of Rs.100 lakh was received from NEC, Shillong for Lai Cultural Centre-Cum-Auditorium project at Lawngtlai, which is almost completed. Construction of VIP lounge at Mizo Typical Village (Zokhua), Falkawn with NEDP funds is in good progress. Despite the dreaded pandemic, various Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav programmes were organised and observed.
30. The Information & Public Relations Department continues to be on the frontline in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department has produced 92 messages, 33 talk shows on various aspects of the pandemic as well as documentary films, short video clips and posters to inform and educate people. These have played a valuable role in changing the perception of people about the pandemic and helped in containment and prevention. More than 80% of construction work of the NEC-funded Multi Facility Centre ‘Lianchhiari Run’ has been completed despite the pandemic. As one of the oldest departments under the Government of Mizoram, Information & Public Relations will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee, 50 years of service to the people, in February, 2022.
Today, as India is moving forward and taking its rightful place in the world, we would do well to keep reminding ourselves of our Constitutional directives. This is the day to pause and ponder over the core values that our Constitution propounds - the values of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. The adversities of the previous years have only reminded us of what we have always known deep in our hearts, that care and concern for humanity and the bond of fraternity is what has kept us together. The achievement we celebrate today is but a gateway to greater triumphs that await us. We must be brave and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenges of the future.
Despite the seriousness of the prevalent pandemic, we have succeeded in taking forward our activities in many spheres. The people of Mizoram have been like a close-knit family, making exemplary sacrifices to protect each other in the face of the common enemy of Coronavirus. Sadly, this tragic chapter is not yet over and we must continue our heroic response to the crisis. I urge the people of Mizoram to continue to observe all health cautions and safety protocols stringently. 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.
Post a Comment
He post chungchanga i ngaihdan lo sawi ve rawh: