Press Releases

FIR lodged over unauthorized tree-felling in CADC Reserved Forest

Kamalanagar, 17 May 2024: The Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department of the Chakma Autonomous District Council has taken a decisive action against illegal deforestation activities in Borapansury. On 15 May, 2024, an FIR was lodged with the Borapansury Police Station against Shri Bira Kumar Chakma of Borapansury-II, for unauthorized felling of trees for jhum cultivation in the reserved forest area.

The FIR, filed by Shri Daya Moy Dhammei, District Council Conservator of Forests, stated that Bira Kumar Chakma has been engaged in felling of trees in the Village Forest Reserved of Borapansury-I, covering approximately 8.5 hectares. This act violates Sections 14 and 15 of the CADC Forest Act, 1992, which strictly prohibits the unauthorized use of reserved forest areas.

The complaint further cited a notification issued by the Government of Mizoram on April 20, 2020, which cancelled all agricultural land passes within notified reserved forests. In compliance, the Executive Committee of CADC cancelled all the passes including that of Shri Bira Kumar Chakma within the Village Supply Reserved Forest of Borapansury-I & II on October 9, 2023. As a result, he no longer has any legal right to use the land.

The Village Council President of Borapansury-I, had earlier lodged complaints against Shri Bira Kumar Chakma for his encroachment and illegal activities. Despite multiple requests and a warning letter issued by the District Council Conservator of Forests on March 4, 2024, directing him to stop all activities, he continued his illegal activities.

The FIR further stated that Shri Bira Kumar Chakma had breached state government’s directives by burning jhum beyond the prescribed deadline of March 15, 2024. It was observed that he conducted the burning on April 23, 2024, violating the guidelines set by the Fire Prevention Committee of the state and district.

In light of these persistent violations, the complainant has urged the authorities to arrest Shri Bira Kumar Chakma and take appropriate legal action to prevent further illegal activities.

52nd CADC Day Celebrated

Kamalanagar, 29 April 2024: The Chakma Autonomous District Council celebrated the completion of 52 years of autonomy and self-governance at Kamalanagar, its headquarters, today. It was created on 29th April 1972, under the 6^th Schedule to the Constitution of India, following the trifurcation of the then Pawi-Lakher Regional Council (PLRC) into Lai Autonomous District Council, Mara Autonomous District Council and Chakma Autonomous District Council.

The celebration started with paying floral tributes at the statue of Dr B.R Ambedkar at the new Secretariat complex by the Chairman and Chief guest of the programme, Dg. Mohan Chakma, and other high-ranking officials of the Council. He ceremoniously unfurled the national flag accompanied by the rendition of the national anthem at the premises of CADC Secretariat. CADC councilors, officials, local NGO leaders, Village Council Presidents and dignitaries attended the programme.

In his address, the Chief Guest paid profound homage to Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, for his pivotal role in enshrining provisions for safeguarding the rights and cultural heritage of minority communities like the Chakmas. He remarked that had it not been for Dr. Ambedkar’s foresight, minority communities such as the Chakmas would have been struggling to secure the autonomy that has enabled them to flourish and thrive.

He also paid homage to the pioneering spirit and indomitable resolve of the prominent Chakma leaders namely Dg. Mediya Chakma, Dg. Baneshwar Chakma, Dg. Hari Kristo Chakma, Dg. Kristo Mohan Chakma, Dg. Atul Chandra Chakma and many others whose visionary leadership and invaluable contributions paved the path towards the realization of Chakma community’s autonomy aspirations in Mizoram.

During his speech, the Chief guest extolled the diversity of the CADC, where different communities like the Chakma, Tongchangya, Bawm, Pang, and Bru people have been co-existing harmoniously. He said this diversity of cultures adds to the beauty of CADC, making it more vibrant. “To preserve our cultural heritage, it is essential that we uphold the principles of righteousness, unity, and goodwill towards others. Such values will foster further development within CADC,” he said.

Highlighting various developmental projects being undertaken in the CADC, including road construction under SASCI, and development of agricultural lands under the RKVY and North Eastern Council (NEC) since 2013, he commended the leadership of Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, the Chief Executive Member & MLA, Mizoram, for his instrumental role in implementing these projects.

He also expressed concern over the rampant misuse of social media platforms in the recent times, particularly in spreading negativity towards CADC. He earnestly appealed to the social media users to refrain from activities that are detrimental to the collective progress and development of the community.

In conclusion, he called upon every member of the Chakma community to nurture a competitive spirit to learn from the positive aspects of other communities, asserting that such mindset will enable us to march ahead towards the path of development on par with other progressive communities of the country.

CADC Budget (2024-2025) presented in the Second sitting of Budget Session

Kamalanagar, 10^th April, 2024: In the second sitting of the ongoing Budget Session of the 11^th Chakma Autonomous District Council held today, the house leader and Chief Executive Member, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, presented the second Budget of the 11th Chakma Autonomous District Council for the fiscal year 2024-2025. The budget will be discussed and voted on April 16th, 2024.

The Supplementary Demand for Grants, 2023-24 & Re-appropriation of Local Receipts Fund, 2022-23 and Demand for Grants, 2023-24 (Budget Estimate) has been presented before the house for the discussion and approval of the members. The Supplementary Demand for Grants for the fiscal year 2023-24 is for an amount of Rs. 2656.86 lakhs against salary under Normal Grants-in-Aid.

The Local Receipts for the fiscal year 2023-2024 was for an amount of 147.24 lakhs against a target of Rs. 159.75 lakhs. The CEM attributed the shortfall of Rs.12.51 lakhs to the non-production of bricks, meagre collection of fees from markets, poor receipt of rent from buildings. He asserted that much emphasis shall be given to fulfil the budgetary target of revenue collection for this fiscal year. Therefore, he proposed the Accounts on the Expenditure of Local Receipts for the fiscal year 2023-24 to be re-appropriated and presented department-wise for information and approval of the house.

The house leader in his speech informed that unlike the budgetary allocation of previous financial years, this year the State government has not specified Salary and Non-Salary separately, other than Village Council Remuneration which is 67.36 lakhs against the salary head and Rs.77.98 lakhs against the non-salary head. The salary requirement and normal Grants-in-Aid is estimated to be Rs.19793.49 lakhs. The Account of Receipts and Expenditure shows a deficit of Rs.5418 lakhs, which he said is expected to be covered up with supplementary demands for grants from the State government. He expressed optimism that the state government will allocate the required fund in due course of time.

He also highlighted some notable achievements accomplished by the CADC during the fiscal year 2023-24 despite acute financial constraints, such as constructions of Revenue Circle offices, installations of Integrated Land Records Management System, Publication of text books on moral education, publication of Changmha text books for Classes-I to VIII, CADC calendars and Choice of the people charts, repairing of school buildings, purchase and distributions of text books, school uniforms to pre-primary students, conduct of common examination for classes-IV and Class-VIII, financial assistance to piggery, poultry, duckery, goat rearing, cattle farming to 666 families under Normal Grants-in-Aid. In concluding his Budget Speech, the house leader thanked all the members of the house and presented the Supplementary Demand for Grants, 2023-24 & Reappropriation of Local Receipts Fund, 2023-24 and Demands for Grants, (Budget Estimate), 2024-2025 before the house for consideration and approval. With no other businesses remaining to be transacted, the sitting was adjourned.

CADC enacts legislation to regulate cremation and burial practices

Kamalanagar, 9th March, 2024: The first sitting of the Budget Session, 2024-2025, of the 11^th Chakma Autonomous District Council, which was held today saw the successful passage of two Bills: The Chakma Autonomous District Council (Constitution, Conduct of Business, etc.) (Seventh Amendment) Rules, 2024, and The Chakma Autonomous District Council (Management and Control of Cremation and Burial Grounds) Bill, 2024.

The first Bill, presented by the house leader and Chief Executive Member, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, proposed several amendments to the CADC (CCB etc.) Rules, 2002, for effective functioning of the CADC. One of the notable provisions was the introduction of a new Chakma version of Oath of Affirmation to be made by members as well as Oath of Secrecy for Executive Members of CADC.

The second Bill, The Chakma Autonomous District Council (Management and Control of Cremation and Burial Grounds) Bill, 2024, was introduced by the house leader on behalf of Dg. Lakkhan Chakma, Executive Member, i/c LAD, CADC. The Bill seeks to regulate the cremation and burial of dead bodies and ensure proper management and control of common cremation sites in each village. Introducing the Bill, the house leader highlighted the age-old traditional practice among Chakmas of having common cremation grounds in villages, and how the increasing practice of cremation and burial of dead bodies on private lands near residential areas, is adversely affecting public health and hygiene. He said enactment of a regulation to curb this unhealthy practice was the “need of the hour”, and sought the support of the house members for its passage.

Both the Bills were thoroughly discussed in the house, with members from the opposition bench – Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchanggya, and Dg. Doymoy Daveng Chakma – offering their suggestions regarding certain provisions for enhancing the effectiveness of the proposed legislations. The bills garnered majority support from members of the house and were passed.

The sitting was adjourned with the successful passage of the Bills, with the next sitting scheduled for 10^th April, 2024 (Wednesday).

Dg. Mohan Chakma elected uncontested as Chairman of CADC

Kamalanagar, 27th March 2024: Dg. Mohan Chakma, MDC from 20-Parva MDC Constituency, CADC, has been officially declared elected uncontested as the new Chairman of the 11th Chakma Autonomous District Council in a sitting held at the CADC Session Hall today. This election was necessitated following the resignation of former Chairman Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya on December 15, 2023, which rendered the post vacant until now.

The Governor of Mizoram, had on 21st March, notified the schedules for the election of the new Chairman of the Chakma Autonomous District Council. In pursuance to the notification and in accordance with Sub-Rule (1) of Rule 1 of the CADC (Constitution, Conduct of Business, etc.), Rules 2002, the Deputy Chairman of CADC notified the dates for filing of nomination papers and election. However, only one nomination paper from Dg. Mohan Chakma of the 20-Parva MDC Constituency was received which was scrutinized and found valid. Therefore, he was elected uncontested to the post as provided under the Rule 31 of the CADC (Constitution, Conduct of Business, etc.), Rules 2002

In his inaugural address soon after assuming the charge, the newly elected Chairman conveyed gratitude to the house leader and members for ensuring an uncontested election. He also extended his appreciation to his constituents and well-wishers for their support. Moreover, he also expressed confidence in the capabilities of the present Executive Committee and reiterated his commitment to maintain neutrality in his role.

House leader Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, CEM, CADC & MLA, Mizoram, in his address extended a warm welcome to the new Chairman. He emphasized the importance of the Chairman playing an impartial role in the conduct of business in the house. Highlighting the tradition of maintaining decorum and decency on the floor of the house by members of the Chakma Autonomous District Council since its inception in 1972, he expressed confidence that the same standards of decorum would be upheld under the experienced leadership of Dg. Mohan Chakma. He commented that the Mizoram Legislative Assembly is among the best run assemblies in the world for its peaceful conduct of business and should serve as a shining example for all.

In conclusion, he extended his warm Bizu greetings to all the Chakmas living across the world.

The newly elected Chairman was also congratulated on behalf of the Executive Committee through a short speech by Dg. Kalasoga Chakma, Executive Member, CADC as well as by Dg. Hemanta Larma, MDC.

DC Lawngtlai visits CADC; interacts with officials.

Kamalanagar, March 5, 2024: Dg. Cheemala Siva Gopal Reddy, the Deputy Commissioner of Lawngtlai District came on a one-day visit to Kamalanagar today, the headquarters of CADC, where he was accorded a warm welcome at the CADC Rest House, Kamalanagar, by the staff of the various departments of CADC.

There he held a meeting with the Executive Secretary of CADC and the Heads of Departments. He expressed concern at the abysmally low literacy rate (46.38%) of the CADC area which stood in contrast to the healthy state average of 91.33%. The Education Officer informed him the reasons; foremost among them being the lack of infrastructure with 70% of the schools being in dilapidated condition, along with shortage of teachers and inadequate avenues for higher secondary studies especially in the science and commerce streams. He also highlighted certain socio-economic practices which hamper the education of the children, such as the tendency of the parents to withdraw their children from the schools during the harvest season.

The Deputy Commissioner also enquired about the output of the primary sectors such as agriculture, fishery, poultry etc. and welcomed suggestions on increasing the output of these sectors.

On the health sector he was informed that CADC has only two Primary Health Centres, one at Borapansury which operates on the PPP model and lacks adequate facilities, whereas the one at Longpuighat is yet to be operationalized. He was also concerned about the relatively low rate of vaccination in the area and sought the help of the local officials in convincing the people of the area to undertake the vaccination of their children in order to help them lead a healthier life.

The Court President & Recorder requested the Deputy Commissioner to arrange for legal training to the staff of the Law & Judicial Department.

Fire awareness campaign organized at Kamalanagar

Kamalanagar, 17 February, 2024: In an effort to combat the recurring threat of wildfires during the jhum burning season, a “Fire Awareness Campaign” was organized by the Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department, Chakma Autonomous District Council, on Saturday at the CADC Rest House Conference Hall, Kamalanagar. The programme was chaired by Dg. Dg. Daya Moy Dhamei, DCCF, CADC and graced by the presence of Dg. Kalasoga Chakma, Executive Member and in-Charge CEM as the Chief Guest, Village Council Presidents, representatives of YCA branches and officials from various departments of CADC.

The participants discussed at length the fixation of suitable date for completion of jhum burning in CADC area and formulation of effective strategies for prevention of fires, considering the substantial loss of forest resources and valuable assets to uncontrolled wildfires during the Jhum burning season in the past years. The Chairman, Dg. Daya Moy Dhamei, DCCF, CADC, stressed on the need for concerted efforts of all stakeholders in raising awareness among the general public on the threat of wildfires and the need for effective measures to prevent such untoward incidents.

Dg. Kalasoga Chakma, the Chief Guest, in his address urged the Village Councils and NGOs to cooperate with the department in educating the public on effective fire prevention. He also requested the Village Councils and NGOs to identify potential supply reserves within their jurisdictions and obtain LSC passes from the Land Revenue & Settlement Department. As an incentive, the Chief Guest announced cash prizes of Rs.20,000, Rs.15,000, and Rs.10,000, respectively, to the three best performing Village Councils in fire prevention and control.

The following resolutions were unanimously taken in the meeting:

Burning of Jhum is to be completed on or before 15^th March, 2024, throughout the CADC in compliance with the deadline set by the State government;
Village Councils and NGOs to select safety/supply reserves within their respective areas and apply for LSC passes from the Land Revenue & Settlement Department. Any destruction of trees in these protected areas will result in stringent actions against the individuals involved.
Village Councils and NGOs to disseminate government order pertaining to Jhum burning and other precautionary measures for prevention of fire incidents; and,
Cash awards of Rs.20,000, Rs.15,000, and Rs.10,000 to be awarded to the three best-performing villages in fire prevention and control.

CADC representatives attend capacity-building training in NIRDPR

Kamalanagar, 9 February, 2024: Official representatives from Chakma Autonomous District Council have attended a 4-day capacity-building training at the National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), North Eastern Regional Centre, Khanapara, Assam. The specialized program was conducted for Autonomous District Councils with focus on “ADC Resources & Financing Rural Development in the North Eastern Region.”

Representatives who attended the training from CADC included Dg. Molin Kumar Chakma, Adviser to CEM; Dg. Hemanta Larma, MDC; Dg. Doya Moy Dhammei, DCCF; Dg. Sadanand Chakma, DTO; Dg. Santosh Chakma, FAO; and Dg. Suman Chakma, AEO. Discussions were held on topics such as Local-Self Government, Good Governance, Sustainable Development Goals, ADC Rural Development Strategies, Financial Resources, CSR and Rural Development, and Amendments of Article 280 and Bill 125.

The participants also undertook a field visit to Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) where interactive sessions were held on strengthening resources and funding for comprehensive rural development in the ADC areas. The training concluded with presentations by the participants who highlighted Financial Resources, Recent Activities, and Issues and Challenges faced by their respective Councils.

75th Republic Day of India celebrated at Kamalanagar

Kamalanagar, January 26, 2024: The 75th Republic Day of India was celebrated with great fervour at Kamalanagar, the headquarters of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) on Friday. The Chief Guest of the occasion, Pu Lalneihthanga Colney, MCS, SDO (C), Chawngte, unfurled the national flag during the ceremony at Kamalanagar playground. The event saw the presence of CADC Councilors, officials from CADC and the State government, Village Council representatives, and leaders from local NGOs.

Nine contingents, including the NCC unit of Govt. Kamalanagar College, participated in the impressive march-past. The celebration was further enhanced by vibrant cultural dances performed by artists from the Art & Culture Department, CADC, and members of the Young Mizo Association, Chawngte-P.

In his address, Chief Guest Pu Lalneihthanga highlighted the developmental accomplishments of various departments under Chawngte Sub-Division during 2023-2023 which included road infrastructure, healthcare, education, social welfare, water supply, food and civil supplies, rural housing, and power and electricity.

A short programme held earlier at the CADC Secretariat premises was graced by Dg. Sundor Muni Chakma, Deputy Chairman, CADC, as the Chief Guest, alongside Executive Members, MDCs, high-ranking officials, and staff. The Chief Guest in his address expressed gratitude to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other members of the drafting committee of the Constitution for ensuring justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. He attributed the existence of the CADC to the visionary leaders who drafted the Constitution.

Dg. Sundor Muni Chakma congratulated the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) on forming the government with an absolute majority in Mizoram. He expressed confidence in their ability to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the State. He also thanked the State government for releasing additional fund amounting to Rs. 26,56,86000 against salary of CADC employees for the months of November and December 2023. He expressed hope for the continued cordial relationship between CADC and the State Government of Mizoram. Commending the current Executive Committee of CADC under the leadership of Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, CEM and MLA, 36-Tuichawng Constituency, he appreciated its efforts in fostering development across all fronts while highlighting some notable achievements during 2023-2024, including fund allocations for social welfare, environmental initiatives, flood relief, and financial assistance for piggery and poultry farming.

CADC taking concrete steps to develop common cremation grounds

Kamalanagar, December 29, 2023: In a significant move toward enhancing public amenities, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, the Chief Executive Member of the CADC and MLA of the 36-Tuichawng Assembly Constituency, led a site visit to the designated cremation ground on the outskirts of Baganpara village, today. He was accompanied by Dg. Molin Kumar Chakma, Adviser to CEM, and officials from the Public Works Department.

During the visit, the team conducted a thorough examination of the site to assess the feasibility of constructing an approach road and an RCC bridge over the Sobasalawsora rivulet to improve access to the cremation ground. The need for this infrastructure has been felt as community members currently find themselves compelled to conduct cremations on the bank of the Toijong River due to the absence of a motorable road and bridge, making it challenging to transport dead bodies to the elevated cremation ground.

Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma also revealed a future plan for the establishment of an electric crematorium facility. To materialize this plan, the CADC will enact the Management and Control of Cremation Grounds Regulation. This legislative measure, he said, is aimed at curbing the current practice of community members cremating bodies at their discretion, particularly on private lands, without consideration for public health concerns.