Aizawl: The 78th Independence Day of India was successfully celebrated this morning at AR Ground, Aizawl, with Chief Minister Lalduhoma gracing the event as the chief guest and unfurling the national flag. The occasion marked a significant moment of pride and unity, with the Chief Minister extending his heartfelt greetings to the people of Mizoram and the Zo ethnic communities living outside the state.
In his speech, the Chief Minister expressed deep gratitude and reverence for the selfless freedom fighters who dedicated their lives to the nation. “Their unrelenting toil and ideals have ensured that we are proud citizens of a vibrant and secular democracy respected globally,” he said.
Lalduhoma also took the opportunity to thank the people of Mizoram for their continued trust in his government, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to placing “Mizoram first” in every policy. He reassured the public that his government strives to meet the expectations and aspirations of the people by delivering inclusive governance and development. He pledged to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and improved public service delivery.
The Chief Minister highlighted several recent achievements by his government, noting the successful completion of the Chief Minister’s Hundred Days Programme within its designated timeframe. He said a budget of Rs. 110 crore has been allocated for the minimum support price of four selected crops, with the Agricultural Market Assurance Fund Management Board overseeing its implementation.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the formation of key committees such as the Resource Mobilization Committee, tasked with advising the government on strategies for resource generation and recommending austerity measures. The Mizoram State Policy Coordination Committee was also established to enhance coordination among departments, while the Mizoram State Project Monitoring Committee ensures public accountability and integrity in major infrastructure projects.
Among the other achievements highlighted, the Chief Minister noted that after the new government came into power, it managed to clear power bills amounting to Rs. 448 crore, saving Rs. 58 lakh in surcharge fees and earning a rebate of Rs. 35.25 lakh from power companies. He said healthcare bills amounting to Rs. 50 crore, which had been pending for a long time, were cleared and pension payments and other pension dues totaling Rs. 256.75 crore were disbursed, with Rs. 425.49 crore held under K-Deposit released. Till June 2024, Rs. 359.89 crore in General Provident Fund payments had been settled, and Rs. 40 crore from the MLA Local Area Development Fund was released.
The Chief Minister also highlighted several new government initiatives, including the introduction of the Mizoram Sustainable Investment Policy 2024, the expansion of services under the Mizoram Right to Public Services Act, which increased from 140 to 192, and the upcoming launch of the government’s flagship Hand Holding Policy.
In the spirit of Independence Day celebrations, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati hosted the “At Home” function for dignitaries and special invitees. Known for his strong advocacy for centrally sponsored social security and welfare schemes in Mizoram, the Governor used this occasion to raise awareness about these initiatives and invited several beneficiaries to share their experiences. The invitees included:
- Ramdinsangi (Chhinga Veng) and Lalruatkimi (Aizawl Venglai) – Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana Beneficiaries
- Denghmingmawia (Tuikual South) and Lalchhuanmawii (Chhinga Veng) – Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Beneficiaries
- Zothankimi (Sairang Dawr Veng) and Lallawmkimi (Sairang Dawr Veng) – Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Beneficiaries
- Lalhmangaihthangi (Bawngkawn Aizawl) and Lallawmawmi (Bawngkawn Aizawl) – Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana Beneficiaries
- Laltanpuii (Hunthar) and Lalhmangaihthangi (Bawngkawn) – Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana Beneficiaries
- Agnes Vanlalkawltiri (Bawngkawn) and Lalnunziri (Bawngkawn) – Atal Pension Yojana Beneficiaries
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