Art & Culture

50th CADC Day celebrated

Kamalanagar, 29 April, 2021: Amidst worsening Covid pandemic situation and with restriction on movement in place the 50th Chakma Autonomous District Council Day was observed today in the premises of CADC Secretariat, Kamalanagar while enforcing protocols for containment of the spread of the disease.

The celebration has been toned-down to a modest scale due to Covid and Dg. Durjya Dhan Chakma, CEM, CADC graced the occasion as its Chief Guest.

The programme was attended by the MDCs and employees of CADC who gathered maintaining social distance and putting on mask.

Homage was paid to the former Chakma leaders Dg. Krista Mohan Chakma, Dg. Baneshwar Chakma, Dg. Atul Chandra Chakma, Dg. Hari Krishto Chakma, Dg. Media Chakma and Dg. Satyo Priyo Dewan who have led the movement for autonomy of the Chakmas in Mizoram.

Dg. Durjya Dhan Chakma, CEM, CADC speaking expressed gratitude to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar because of whose effort the Sixth Schedule has found a place in the Constitution to provide space for self-determination of the tribal people like the Chakmas while adding, “Today, because of the CADC the Chakmas have an opportunity for political aspiration and to safeguard and promote their cultural identity.”

He has also remembered Dg. Sneha Kumar Chakma for his contribution to the Chakma community during both pre and post independent time while saying, “It’s a matter of immense pride for the Chakmas that he was member of the All India Excluded Areas Sub-Committee of the Constituent Assembly of India for CHT.”.

While emphasizing the need for transparency in governance he said, “Since assuming office of CEM I have been making every effort to bring in transparency in the functioning of CADC under my leadership by making available information pertaining to developmental measures being taken through social media.”

He stated that the appointment of Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma and Dg. Buddhalila Chakma as Adviser to CEM, Administration and Political Affairs respectively, has been a step towards utilizing the services of the best minds of the senior leaders in the service of the welfare of the people.

He highlighted the recent effort being taken by CADC in the fight against recent surge in covid cases within CADC citing relief being provided to residents of Borkalak and Semeisury village by bearing the cost of their civil supply ration, setting up Covid Care Centre at Kamalanagar and offering food to Covid patients hailing from CADC lodged at CCC, Lawngtlai.

72nd Republic Day Celebrated

Kamalanagar, 26 January, 2021: The 72^nd Republic Day of India was celebrated at Kamalanagar, Chakma Autonomous District Council with grand arrangement made by Sub-Divisional Office, Chawngte in the Kamalanagar football playground.

The programme was attended by CADC Councilors, officials of CADC and State Government, village council and local NGO leaders.

Traditional dance performances were presented on the occasion by CADC Art & Culture troupe, Br. YMA Chawngte (L) and Br. YMA Chawngte (P).

Pu S. Kaptluanga, SDO(C), Chawngte Sub-Division and Chief Guest of the programme in his speech highlighted the various developmental achievement made in CADC despite difficulties posed by Covid-19 pandemic.

While emphasizing how roads are important for development of any place he said that as many as 12 roads are under construction within CADC under PMGSY. He appreciated the effort being made by state PWD, CADC PWD and local MLA for pavement of internal roads of town and villages within CADC.

He noted that almost most places within CADC are now accessible by mobile network which is a great leap forward considering the condition just a few years back. He has expressed hope that erection of all pending signal towers would be completed within this year.

The crisis for potable water within Kamalanagar town is an ever growing problem. The SDO said that the Chawngte Composite Water Supply Scheme Phase-I for an amount of Rs.9 Crores approved under NABARD will address the problem.

CADC also organised the celebration of the Day early in the morning in the premises of CADC Secretariat. Dg. Durjya Dhan Chakma, Executive Member and i/c CEM, CADC graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion attended by CADC Councilors and employees of CADC he shared the developmental activities undertaken by the current Executive Committee, CADC within two years of assuming office.

He remarked, “It is a tribute to this very Day to be able to announce that since assuming office we have passed six Rules, six Amendment Rules/Acts and adopted three Rules”.

He said, “Our emphasis has been for education and towards this we have done away with charging of school admission fees, repaired all school buildings, provided benches to all schools on need basis, constructed as many as 11 new school buildings, 10 more are under construction funded by NEC, awarded Senior grade/Selection grade to deprived teachers”.

During the course of his speech the various achievements highlighted include purchase of 11 numbers of scorpio (Rs.169 lakhs), one 407 Tipper for disposal of garbage (Rs.14 lakhs), installation of deep borewell at Chakma House, Aizawl (Rs.7 lakhs), blacktopping of Borapansury internal roads (Rs.69 Lakhs), construction of brick kiln (Rs.70 lakhs), construction of drainage system in Kamalanagar-III (Rs.60 lakh), vertical extension of PWD office (Rs.49 lakhs), construction of community hall at Parva and Saizawh (W) (Rs.50 lakh), Construction of recreation centre at Kamalanagar-IV (Rs.30 lakh) and rice area expansion (Rs.295 lakh).

He also made mention of various projects under PMJVK that have been approved for financial sanction like construction of Astro Turf football playground at Kamalanagar (Rs.532 Lakhs), construction of community service centre (Rs.140 Lakhs), construction of girls hostel at Kamalanagar (Rs.283 lakhs) and construction of volley ball court with viewing gallery (Rs.33 lakhs).

He further said that 700 families under Animal Husbandry & Vety, 167 families under RKVY, 80 families under CM Rural Housing and 100 families under NEDP for rural housing have benefitted so far.

“To do justice to the many deprived employees of CADC we have promoted 75 employees, upgraded the pay of 57, regularized 101 MR/Fixed Pay employees and regularized 39 Non-formal teachers”.

In an effort to equip the offices with technical staff he said the present Executive Committee has deputed as many as 50 trainees for various technical courses in forestry, agriculture, sericulture, fishery, horticulture and music.

CADC celebrates 74th Independence Day with restrain amidst covid-19

Kamalanagar, 15 August, 2020: Amidst Covid-19 pandemic, still looming large Chakma Autonomous District Council celebrated India’s 74th Independence Day with restrain avoiding mass participation and observing protocols that are in force like maintaining social distance and wearing mask.

Dg. H. Amaresh Chakma, Chairman, CADC in the early morning, hoisted the National Flag in the premises of CADC Secretariat in the presence of leaders and Heads of offices of CADC.

The Chairman in his Independence Day speech said the difficulties due to coronavirus pandemic has hampered developmental activities and implementation of policies for the welfare of the people.

“Notwithstanding, the present Executive Committee has executed the Voluntary Pension Scheme which has brought in fresh and energetic employees in place of aged staff; metalled the approach road to dumping ground with PCC concrete; purchased a new vehicle for disposal of garbage and set aside Rs.50 lakhs for construction new LAD office building”.

He further added that Rs.4.39 Crore has been allocated for CADC under 15th Finance Commission which shall be utilized to create community welfare assets.

“The CADC’s Budget session which could not be held in due time due to the prevalent pandemic has been very productive”, he said.

“The session has passed the CADC (Salaries and allowances of Chief Executive Member and Executive Members) (Second Amendment) Bill 2020, the CADC (Salaries and allowances of Chairman and Deputy Chairman) (Second Amendment) Bill 2020, the CADC (Salaries and allowances and pension of Members) (Third Amendment) Bill 2020, the CADC Secretariat (Recruitment and Condition of services) Bill, 2020, the CADC Technical Service (Group A & B posts) Recruitment Bill, 2020 and the CADC (Forest) (Amendment) Bill, 2020”.

The celebration of the Day organised by the Chawngte Sub-Division Office in the compound of Baptist Boarding School was attended by Pu S. Kaptluanga, SDO(C), Chawngte as Chief Guest besides other heads of offices of Kamalanagar and Chawngte area. The school compound has been chosen as venue for the programme to avoid crowding by the public.

The SDO speaking stated about the grim situation we are passing through due to coronavirus pandemic and aggression posed by some of our neighbouring countries. He has appreciated the velour of our soldiers in confronting the enemy soldiers of our neighbours.

“To alleviate the suffering of the people in distress due to Covid-19 the government has been providing financial assistance under PMGDY and PM Kissan and by creating opportunities for employment under MGNREGS”.

He further stated that in spite of the hardship due to the pandemic the Chawngte-Ajasora road under PMGSY and Udalthana-Gulsingbapsora road under BADP will be completed within this year.

He has urged for communal harmony and mutual respect for each other’s religion and tradition while stating that Kamalanagar-Chawngte is lived by Chakma, Lushai, Lai, Bawm, pang and Tripuri people.

He also spoke about the announcement made by the government of India about the new education policy that is likely to come into effect very soon.

71st Republic Day celebrated

*Flag Hoisting at CADC Secretariat on the occasion of 71st Republic Day, CADC*

Kamalanagar, 26 January, 2020: The 71st Republic Day of India was celebrated at Kamalanagar in the football playground. Pu S. Kaptluanga, SDO (Civil), Chawngte hoisted the National flag.

Dg. Nihar Kanti Chakma, MLA, Mizoram, beside the MDCs of CADC witnessed the celebration programme.

Eleven parade contingents representing different schools of the locality took part in the March Past. Two parade contingents representing the Mizoram Chakma Student Union and Young Chakma Association also took part in the March Past.

Pu S. Kaptluanga, Chief Guest of the programme addressing the public highlighted the various developmental programmes of the state government and that of CADC.

MCSU & YCA contingent at the 71st Republic Day, CADC, Mizoram

While emphasizing the commitment of the district administration for improvement of school education he spoke about construction of new school building being completed and taken up under various CS schemes like BADP and PMJVKY. An additional academic block at Kamalanagar College has been proposed under PMJVKY at an estimated cost of Rs.2.5 Crore.

In expressing concern about the poor literacy rate of the area he invited all stakeholders especially the teachers, Village Education Committees, NGOs and students to fight the scourge on a war footing.

In stating that developmental goals can’t be fully achieved without road communication he informed that the government had sanctioned fund for construction of permanent bridges and PCC pavements at many places within CADC.

He assured that maximum fund under his disposal will be allocated to Tegha Valley of CADC for he has witnessed the poor living condition of the people of that side.

Flag hoisting at the CADC secretariat, CADC, Mizoram

He also spoke about the government’s commitment to improve telecommunication and said that some 50 mobile towers shall be erected within CADC out of which some are already operating.

He said, survey under Mission Antyodaya has revealed that there are more than 7387 kutcha houses within CADC and the government is committed to provide pucca houses to all the families. Already 331 families have been sanctioned for construction of houses under PMAY(G) and 260 families are under proposal. In addition a project for RS.136.44 Crore under Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been submitted to provide pucca houses to the needy.

To address the acute water crisis of Kamalanagar and Chawngte area a Composite Water Supply Scheme amounting to Rs.117 Crore was submitted to Ministry of Minority Affairs, he informed. He further informed that an Electrical Cremation Incinerator was proposed with Ministry of Minority Affairs to facilitate cremation of dead bodies which has become urgent with Kamalanagar growing into a town.

Participants from those under Pre-Militiary Coaching being iniated jointly by CRPF 225 battalion Kamalanagar and Central Mizoram Chakma Student Students Union.

Earlier, in the wee hours of the morning Dg. H Amaresh Chakma, Chairman, CADC hoisted the National flag in the premises of the CADC secretariat in the presence of the leaders and employees of CADC. In his address to the gathering he highlighted the various developmental achievements made by the present Executive Committee within one year of assuming office in CADC. He made mention of providing free text book in full set to all students, making school admission free, renovating schools, providing class room furniture; providing scope for training technical staff under various departments like agriculture, horticulture, fishery and forest; initiative taken to recruit gazette officers to strengthened the office administration and to fill up various vacant posts including teacher; initiative taken to explore ground water to address crisis for potable water in Kamalanagar; initiative taken to facilitate coconut farming.

He also expressed hope of provide pucca roads across CADC within this term with the help of PMGSY.

He informed about receipt of a sanction of Rs.5 Crore from government of Mizoram recently for taking up developmental works like vertical extension of office buildings, setting up of a permanent brick kiln, metalling of internal roads of Borapansury, etc.

Flag hoisting at Kamalanagar Public School, CADC, Mizoram on the occassion of the 71st Republic Day — *Flag hoisting at Kamalanagar Public School, CADC, Mizoram on the occasion of the 71st Republic Day*

New Jagnasury (Damdep) celebrated completion of 50 years

Kamalanagar, 30 December, 2019: New Jagnasury also known as Damdep, one of the oldest village in Chakma Autonomous District Council completed 50 years of founding. To commemorate the occasion a celebration programme was organized yesterday. Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, CEM, CADC and Chief Guest of the programme unveiled the memorial tablet and proclaimed to metal the internal roads of the village to mark the occasion. New Jagnasury was founded by Dg. Kegera Tongchnagya, father of Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Vice-Chairman Planning, CADC when he came to settle there in 1969 with a group of families from Vaseitlang, a designated grouping centre during the Mizo insurgency period. Dg. Kegera Tongchangya was the grandson of Dg. Debicharan Tongchangya, a designated Chief who was allowed to settle with 15 families in Lukisuri by the Sub-Divisional Officer, Lunglei in 1933. Dg. Atul Chandra Chakma, the first nominated CEM of Chakma Regional Council was the first MDC elected from Damdep in the first general election to Chakma Autonomous District Council held in 1972.

Governor visits Kamalanagar

Kamalanagar, 12 December, 2019: His Excellency the Governor of Mizoram Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai who was on a two days tour of the three Autonomous District Councils reached Kamalanagar, headquarter of Chakma Autonomous District Council today at about 11 am. He flew from Siaha, headquarter of Mara Autonomous District Council where he had reached yesterday. He was accompanied by his wife Smt. Reetha Sreedharan.

His Excellency in his address to the public remarked that he had come to one of the most undeveloped part of the country and urged for introspection to ascertain what went wrong. He made mention of the road from helipad to Kamalanagar while saying that it gives the impression that there is a lot that needs to be done about the development of the area. He emphasized for a need for concerted effort by the central government, state government and CADC for the development of the area.

His Excellency assured that the developmental concerns raised in the memorandum submitted by CEM, CADC shall be pursued with the appropriate authorities including the Chief Minister, Prime Minister and other ministers of the central government for which he shall give his best. He said that he shall try to visit as frequently as possible for development of the area.

While appreciating the traditional dances showcased he remarked that the dance style and songs evoked familiarity and found similarities with dances in Kerela.

He spoke about the need for unity in diversity and to stand together irrespective of differences in culture, tradition and faith.

Representatives of political parties and NGOs met His Excellency in private to discuss various concerns and issues pertaining to the Chakmas and development of the area.

He visited the only Community Health Centre within CADC at Kamalanagar and interacted with the doctors and the staff of the CHC. Matter of deficiencies in the hospital like absence of ambulance, X-ray technicians, etc. was heard by His Excellency.

Sukra Muni Chakma, former Executive Member, CADC passed away

Kamalanagar, 11 December, 2019: Dg. Sukra Muni Chakma, former MDC and Executive Member, Chakma Autonomous District Council passed away yesterday at the age of 86 years. He was elected as MDC to second Chakma Autonomous District Council on 12/12/1977 by contesting as an independent candidate from Borapansury-I constituency. He held the position of Executive Member in the Executive Committee headed by Dg. Nilo Muni Chakma. He remained for a whole term of 5 years from 1977 – 1982. He was the first Village Council President of Borapansury-I during the era of Pawi-Lakher Regional Council and was elected uncontested. He pioneered the establishment of primary school, middle school and high school at Borapansury. He had a keen interest in making education accessible for the people. The first Consumer Cooperative Society at Borapansury was formed by his effort and he remained its Chairman for about 8 years. He was born to Late Paskora Chakma and Late Kreepa Mala Chakma of Borapansury-I.He is now survived by his three sons one of whom is Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, CEM, CADC and a daughter.

Press Releases Book, Chakma Historical Chart Released

CEM, CADC unveiled a chart on “Important Historical Dates and Events of the Chakmas” and a book of Press Releases Kamalanagar, 04 December, 2019: In a programme organized yesterday by Information & Public Relations Department Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, CEM, CADC unveiled a book containing all the Press Releases published till date and a chart on “Important Historical Dates and Events of the Chakmas” published by Information & Public Relations Department, Chakma Autonomous District Council. The CEM inaugurated the buying of the Chart at a price of Rs.600. The programme held in the CADC Rest House Conference Hall, Kamalanagar was attended by the Chairman, CADC, MDCs, heads of departments and NGO leaders. Dg. Prabin Chakma, I&PRO, CADC while talking about how the two documents have been worked to see their publication spoke on the value they carry. Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, CEM, CADC speaking narrated how and why the idea of publishing a chart on the important historical dates and events of the Chakmas was conceived. He said the Chakmas have a glorious past yet it is our habit to speak of its darker side only. The chart will give a picture at glance of the glorious past of the Chakmas besides depicting some important turning point in the journey of the community. While deploring the community’s lack of interest for reading he said the chart will be helpful to give an idea of the glorious past of the community at a glance. He further said the chart will be an object of attraction in the sitting room of every households and it will serve a visitors and friends from other communities about our glorious past. On the significance of the book of press releases of CADC he said that it will be a source of information on the affairs, events and conduct of business in CADC for the period from 2004 – 2019. The value of the book gains more importance given our poor habit to preserve documents, he said.

CEM, CADC highlights achievements of seven months into office on Independence Day

Kamalanagar, 15 August, 2019: Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, CEM, CADC in his address to the public on the occasion of official celebration of 73rd Indian Independence Day at Kamalanagar football ground, hailed the achievements made by his administration within seven months into office as a great success. He hoisted the National Flag at 7 am and did the honour of inspecting the parade contingents perform ceremonial march past.

Dangu Rasik Mohan Chakma at the 73rd Independence Day Celebrations

Speaking on the occasion he said having inherited an almost collapsed education system it became a top most priority of his administration to restore the schools to functioning. On assuming office, he claimed his administration has made fund provision of Rs.20.00 Lakhs for repairing school buildings, Rs.10 Lakhs for providing furniture to schools, Rs.10.00 Lakhs for providing Green/white boards and Rs.20.00 lakhs for providing free text books to all students.

To ensure quality education he said the school curriculum has been revised in line with NCERT and common public examination has been introduced. To preserve and promote Chakma Scripts and Language Chakma Grammar Book has been published and Chakma Language proficiency examination conducted.

“Two school buildings have been already constructed under BADP and four more school buildings under BADP and six under MSDP will be constructed soon”, he announced.

He said, “Our target is to build total school infrastructure for which projects involving more than 100 Crores under different Ministries of Central Govt. have been formulated.”

Towards poverty alleviation he said, “CADC has provided Rs.1 Crore to benefit 100 beneficiaries under Rural Housing scheme and Rs.19.05 Lakhs was provided to 127 beneficiaries under poultry, piggery and WRC land.”

To keep pace with the global community in fighting environmental crisis he said, “CADC has decided to adopt Mizoram State Biological Diversity Rules’ 2010 in the upcoming Monsoon Session and Biodiversity Management Committee shall be constituted in all village councils to implements various Centrally Sponsored Schemes”.

While emphasizing poor road connectivity in CADC being a hurdle to development he said his administration is making an all-out effort with help from the state government for solution to the problem. Towards this effort he said, “Road connectivity for Parva-Siminasora, Parva-Kamtuli, Boroituli-Jaruldubosora, Ngahrum-Rajmandol, Parva-Zochawchhua and Chawngte-Nalbonya have been taken up and are likely to be completed in scheduled time. Kamalanagar-Ajasora road is reconstructed as PCC work and Chawngte-Borapansury and Borapansury-Tlabung road shall be taken up towards close of thiss financial year. It shall remain our effort to connect all the villages within CADC with all-weather roads.”

He informed that the State government will be equipping the Chawngte Community Health Centre with medical equipment and that CADC has proposed for construction of Maternity Ward at Chawngte CHC and repairing of PHC at Borapansury with fund under PMJVK.

Twelve parade contingents, represented by eleven schools and a CRPF battalion performed march past on the occasion and Duloram Public School bagged the first prize.

48th CADC Day Observed

Kamalanagar, 29 April 2019: Completion of 47 years of formation of Chakma Autonomous District Council was celebrated today at Kamalanagar with a ceremonial programme. The Indian National flag and the CADC flag were hoisted in the premises of the CADC secretariat by Dangu Rasik Mohan Chakma, CEM, CADC in the presence of a gathering comprising of CADC councilors, former leaders and CADC employees.

The programme was started with offering of tribute by the CEM, CADC to the Chakma leaders who had pioneered the autonomy movement of the Chakmas in Mizoram.

Dangu Rasik Mohan Chakma addressed the gathering signifying the day. He spoke how the portion of the land lived by the Chakmas of Mizoram was once a part of the independent Chakma Kingdom “Chadigang”. He remembered the Chakma leaders like Dangu Krishto Mohan Chakma, Dangu Atul Chandra Chakma, Dangu Hari Krsisto Chakma, Dangu Baneswar Chakma, Dangu Mediya Chakma and Dangu Satya Priyo Dewan who struggled to restore the autonomy once enjoyed by the Chakmas in the form of CADC.

He appreciated the political farsightedness of the then Chakma leaders who despite odds and unfavourable conditions have harbored the crave and spirit for autonomy.

Elaborating further into the past he said, “The Chakmas too became victim of British colonization just like rest of the country and subsequently, took part in the Indian freedom struggle. Unfortunately, the Chakmas of “Chadigang” could not be part of the dominion of India despite their effort.”

He finally urged the people to ask the self of how one is contributing to the development and progress of CADC and to wean our incessant expectation for benefit out of CADC. This attitude if adopted, he added, there will be sea change and nothing can stop us from transforming into a powerful community.