Kamalanagar, 11 February, 2025: The Chief Executive Member of Chakma Autonomous District Council, Dg. Molin Kumar Chakma today chaired a meeting with local NGOs of Chawngte area at Kamalanagar. Representatives from Chakma Mahila Samiti, CYCA, CMCSU, MSU, YLA, and TARUM attended the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, the CEM remarked, βSince Chawngte area is inhabited by different communities, there are numerous common issues that require joint efforts, including the implementation of development works. It is essential to work hand in hand to resolve these common issues.β He urged the NGO representatives to share their ideas and opinions and assured them that the CADC is ready to extend its full cooperation.
The joint NGOs, in their activities report, highlighted their recent representations to the Government of Mizoram regarding poor roads conditions, inadequate staff at Chawngte Police Station, and the lack of necessary medical equipment in the Community Health Centre, Chawngte, among other issues.
The NGOs expressed hope that the new Executive Committee headed by the incumbent CEM would bring about good governance and expressed their willingness to cooperate with CADC. They also expressed hope of receiving necessary support whenever necessary from CADC that will benefit the society.
It was also proposed that CADC raise the amount allocated as financial assistance to NGOs in the next budget, which currently stands at Rs.3 lakhs only.
Raising concerns over inequity in the distribution of school teachers due to untimely transfers, they proposed that teachers be transferred only within their respective education circles. It was also proposed that the Education department of CADC conduct competitive exams such as Olympiads, essay writing competitions etc. for school students. This will help in boosting their confidence and foster a spirit of competition.
Proposals presented in the meeting included amendment to the Chakma Customary Law, specifically certain penal provisions, which have not been amended since its enactment in 1997; reservation for women in employment under CADC; measures to curb absenteeism among staff in schools and offices, and introduction of traditional dress code for staff in office at least once a week, among others.
On environmental issues, it was noted that there is a general lack of awareness among the public leading to a decline in the forest covers of CADC. It was suggested that the Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department, CADC involve the local organizations working for the protection of environment to organize awareness campaigns.