Aizawl: Aizawl witnessed a grand celebration of the 76th Republic Day as Mizoram Governor Gen (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd) presided over the event at the Assam Rifles Ground on January 26.
The occasion showcased a vibrant display of patriotism with 23 parade contingents, including 7 armed groups, 4 unarmed contingents, 12 school contingents, and 3 bands.
Leading the parade was Yatin Sharma, IPS, supported by Dr. Melvin Vargese, IPS, as Assistant Parade Commander. Notably, the oldest participant, Naik Sanghmuaka, aged 89, represented the ex-servicemen contingent.
In his address, Governor Singh spotlighted the transformative “Mizoram Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme,” aimed at empowering farmers and entrepreneurs through financial assistance and targeted programs.
The initiative aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Key features of the scheme include a grant-in-aid of up to ₹1 lakh under the Chief Minister’s Special Category Scheme and the introduction of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for ginger, broom, turmeric, and Mizo Bird-eye chilli.
The Governor praised the state’s commendable internal security, attributing peace and order to the efforts of the Mizoram Police, Assam Rifles, and BSF.
He highlighted their success in curbing smuggling and cross-border crimes, with significant seizures of illegal areca nuts, drugs, and arms last year. To further combat drug trafficking, the government has set up new Excise & Narcotics stations in three districts.
Governor Singh also emphasized infrastructural progress, revealing that the Public Works Department (PWD) completed over 194 kilometers of road formation cutting and upgraded 264 kilometers with blacktop surfacing.
Nearly 98 kilometers of high-strength concrete roads have been built to withstand heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions.
The renovation of the Lengpui Airport terminal and the construction of an elevated road are nearing completion, further boosting connectivity.
The education sector received significant focus, with the Governor outlining ongoing projects to enhance school infrastructure.
Construction of 14 new government school buildings, 35 additional classrooms, 43 toilet blocks, and the reconstruction of 18 schools are underway.
Efforts to establish a state-owned university, in line with the National Education Policy 2020, are progressing with the formation of a special Bill Drafting Committee.
Healthcare and rural development were highlighted as key priorities, with upgrades to health centers, construction of AYUSH hospitals, and improvements in sanitation through the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Rural areas are witnessing advancements in housing, livelihood programs, and IT initiatives, such as the online Inner Line Permit system. Tourism has also gained momentum, with Sialsuk village earning recognition for rural tourism excellence.
The Governor underscored the government’s commitment to welfare programs for women, children, and persons with disabilities. Projects promoting electric vehicles, skill development for youth, and sports infrastructure expansion are underway.
Agricultural reforms include irrigation projects, oilseed processing facilities, and livestock upgrades, alongside efforts to digitize land records and provide housing for landless households. Addressing meat production challenges, the state is enhancing animal feed plants and poultry capacity.
Governor Singh expressed gratitude to service workers, public representatives, and citizens for their contributions to Mizoram’s development. He called for unity and collective efforts to ensure peace, prosperity, and dignity for all, paving the way for a brighter future.
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