Kohima: The Rural Development & Administration Department (RD&AD) on Thursday organised the first-ever “State Level Convention for Women Elected Representatives of Village Councils” at Vanapa Hall in Mizoram, highlighting the government’s continued efforts to strengthen the role of women in grassroots governance.
Health & Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii attended the event as chief guest, while RD&AD Minister Lalnilawma was the guest of honour. Addressing the gathering, Lalrinpuii said the status of women has steadily improved over the years, although women across the country still face many challenges. Referring to notable women leaders in India and Mizoram, she highlighted the contributions of legendary Mizo leader Pi Ropuiliani and said that despite the progress made, there remains much room for advancement for women.
The Minister said constitutional provisions such as the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts had ensured 33 per cent reservation for women in Panchayats and local self-governance institutions. She also noted that Parliament passed legislation in 2023 providing 33 per cent reservation for women, adding that the emergence of capable and honest women leaders among the Mizos was encouraging.
She urged women Village Council leaders to become confident and responsible representatives who work faithfully for the people who elected them. She also encouraged them to actively participate in local governance and contribute towards the welfare of villages, communities and the state.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Lalnilawma expressed happiness over the growing participation of women in leadership roles among the Mizos. He said women are not only valuable contributors but also play an essential role in development and cooperation.
The Minister advised women VC representatives to utilise Village Council funds properly for the development of their communities. Stressing the importance of generating own source revenue (OSR), he assured that the department would extend support wherever necessary.
The convention also featured speeches from distinguished guests including MLA of Aizawl South-III Assembly Constituency Baryl Vanneihsangi and MLA of West Tuipui Assembly Constituency Prova Chakma.
Director of Local Administration Department Dr. Lalngura Tlau presented a report on the objectives of the convention and highlighted the newly enacted “The Mizoram Village Council Act, 2025”. He explained that the new law was drafted in line with India’s Panchayati Raj system and includes 22 subjects related to local governance.
He also elaborated on the concept of Own Source Revenue under Gram Panchayat systems and said the new law clearly outlines methods for villages to become more self-reliant through taxation and revenue generation.
Dr. Lalngura Tlau further stated that training programmes under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) are being conducted regularly, and District Panchayat Resource Centres have already been established in eight districts. He encouraged women VC leaders to actively participate in the training programmes.
According to official data shared during the convention, the nine districts of Mizoram have a total of 2,414 Village Council seats, of which 615 are reserved seats. In the Autonomous District Council areas, CADC has 516 seats with 88 reserved seats, LADC has 595 seats with 99 reserved seats, while MADC has 591 seats with 99 reserved seats.
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A total of 503 women elected representatives from different parts of Mizoram attended the convention. Officials described the participation as significant and encouraging for women’s leadership in the state.
The programme also featured the screening of a “Women Friendly GP Video Clip”, motivational sessions, and experience-sharing discussions where women leaders exchanged views on challenges and achievements in local governance.
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