Aizawl: Dr. Lalmalsawma Nghaka, MPCC Treasurer, responded to MNF Information & Public Relations Minister Lalruatkima’s press conference on Saturday, wherein he claimed the MNF had fulfilled 80% of its manifesto.
In a press conference held on October 21, MNF’s Information & Public Relations Minister, Lalruatkima, asserted that the Mizoram National Front (MNF) government had accomplished 80% of their 2018 election manifesto. Dr. Lalmalsawma Nghaka, MPCC Treasurer, strongly disputed these claims, characterizing them as misleading and an attempt to obfuscate the actual status of their promises.
Challenging the accuracy of the information presented, Dr Nghaka noted that MNF promised to provide Rs 3 lakh to each family under the Socio-Economic Development Program (SEDP), but the implementation stood at only 20%. “In the first phase, 60,000 families received Rs 50,000 in two instalments accounting for only 16% of the total promised. In the second phase, 60,000 families received Rs 25,000 each in the first instalment, amounting to just 8% of the total commitment,” he emphasised.
Dr Nghaka countered the MNF’s explanation that they couldn’t process the full amount due to election date announcements, asserting that the party had five years to fulfil the promise but failed to do so.
Furthermore, he addressed the issue of employment generation through SEDP’s ‘Manpower Development Boards,’ contending that this promise remained unimplemented. Dr Nghaka highlighted that the ruling government had appointed a significant number of their own leaders as Vice-Chairmen and members, providing them with salaries and various perks. “These leaders enjoyed many benefits, including two vehicles, separate offices with support staff, incurring early expenses worth Rs. 444 lakh. These Boards were created to appease some MLAs who didn’t secure ministerial berths or did not win elections as Vice-Chairmen,” he added.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Dr Nghaka also raised concerns about the MNF’s pledge to provide 2 lakh insurance coverage under the Mizoram State Healthcare Scheme (MSHCS), asserting its partial implementation. He revealed that Rs. 63.88 crore worth of reimbursements remained unpaid to beneficiaries, and there had been a notable decline of more than 32.75% in enrollment in 2023-24 compared to the previous year, attributable to the government’s failure to fulfil its reimbursement obligations.
Regarding the MNF’s promise to expand Lengpui Airport and make it the “cutest” airport in the country, Dr Nghaka emphasised that this commitment had only seen partial implementation. He drew attention to a building worth Rs. 19.95 crore that had collapsed during construction due to sub-standard work allegedly conducted by the KR Constructions company, purportedly owned by close associates of the Chief Minister, Kamrul and Zoramchhana.
Also Read | Mizoram: 61-Year-Old apprehended with over 1 crore worth of heroin in joint operation