Press Releases

CDCEA Kicks Off Sports Meet with Enthusiastic Participation

Kamalanagar, December 2, 2024: The Chakma District Council Employees’ Association (CDCEA) commenced its much-anticipated sports meet today with a grand inaugural programme held at the Kamalanagar Football Ground. The event saw a vibrant turnout and spirited participation from various departments and communities.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Dg. Supreme Raj Chakma, Executive Member, i/c Sports & Youth Services, CADC, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he appreciated the initiative of organizing the annual sports meet. He emphasized the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health for employees to deliver efficient service. “Without a healthy mind and body, it is not possible to render service efficiently. This event will also provide employees an opportunity to socialize and build camaraderie among themselves,” he remarked.

Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary, CADC, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. He applauded the CDCEA for its efforts in organizing the sports meet and highlighted the importance of such events. He suggested that such initiatives should continue in the future, as they play a significant role in promoting health and fostering cooperation among various departments

The highlight of the inaugural programme was the thrilling football match between the Local Administration Department (LAD) and the Horticulture Department. Demonstrating superior skill and strategy, the Horticulture team emerged victorious with a score of 4-1.

The CDCEA Sports Meet is set to feature various athletic events and competitions over the coming days, fostering sportsmanship and community spirit until 10th December 2024 when the sports meet ends. Participants are eagerly looking forward to showcasing their talents and vying for top honors in their respective categories.

71st All India Cooperative Week Celebrated in CADC

Kamalanagar, 18th November 2024: The 71st All India Cooperative Week was observed today in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) with a programme organized by the Co-operation Department at the CADC Rest House Conference Hall, Kamalanagar. Dg. Supon Chakma, i/c Chief Executive Member, graced the event as the Chief Guest. The programme was also attended by Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary; former MDCs; senior officials; representatives from local NGOs; and Village Council members.

Dg. Bhanu Dhan Chakma, Deputy Registrar of the Co-operation Department, in his speech, provided a brief introduction to the historical origins of the All India Cooperative Week and its observance. He highlighted the Government of India’s vision of transforming the nation into a Vikshit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 and emphasized the crucial role that cooperative movements can play in realizing this vision, particularly among the rural masses who constitute over 60% of India’s total populace.

In his address, Dg. Supon Chakma, Chief Guest, expressed concern over the extremely small number of registered cooperatives in CADC, which is currently only 7 as per official record. He noted that this suggested a lack of awareness about the potential benefits of cooperatives among the community. He called for initiatives to raise mass awareness about these benefits to encourage the establishment of more cooperative societies in CADC.

Other officials, including Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary; Dg. Inglon Chakma, Local Administration Officer; and Dg. Prabin Chakma, Planning & Development Officer, along with representatives from local NGOs and Village Councils, shared their perspectives on how cooperatives could contribute to economic development, enhance social empowerment, and promote self-reliance within the community.

Panel Suggests Rajya Sabha Seat for Smaller ADCs to Enhance Democratic Representation

DIPHU, 14 November 2024: The National Seminar on “75 Years of the Sixth Schedule” organised by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) in collaboration with the Centre for Karbi Studies, Diphu, and the Department of Political Science, Assam University (Diphu Campus), has concluded successfully.

The seminar, held from 12-13 November 2024 at the Arboretum cum Craft Centre, Diphu, featured a diverse group of participants, including academics, policy experts, and representatives from various Sixth Schedule areas in India. The inaugural session took place at Langkung Habe Memorial Town Hall.

Prominent climate activist and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Sonam Wangchuk from Ladakh honoured the event as the chief guest, while Prof. Mahendra P. Lama from JNU Delhi and Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of Sikkim delivered the keynote address.

A delegation led by the Chairman of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), including Executive Members, MDCs, and officials, actively participated in the seminar. Dg. Hemanta Larma represented the CADC during the panel discussions. Panelists emphasised the importance of enhancing inclusive governance by nominating a seat in the Rajya Sabha for smaller Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) such as the Chakma ADC, Lai ADC, and Mara ADC. This proposal aims to strengthen grassroots representation at the national level.

The seminar will be followed by a cultural exchange programme to mark Karbi Anglong Day on 17 November 2024. A team of cultural artistes led by the Art and Culture Officer of CADC is slated to participate in the cultural exchange programme.

No. 33/2024

NCST member Dg. Nirupam Chakma holds meeting on Constitutional Safeguards for Scheduled Tribes at Kamalanagar

Kamalanagar, November 8, 2024: Hon’ble Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), Dg. Nirupam Chakma, who is currently on an official visit to the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), held a Review Meeting on Constitutional Safeguards for Scheduled Tribes at the CADC Rest House Conference Hall today.

The meeting was attended by including Dg. Ananta Bikash Chakma, i/c Chief Executive Member; Dg. Sundar Muni Chakma, Deputy Chairman; Dg. Molin Kumar Chakma, Adviser to the CEM; MDCs, Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary, as well as heads of various departments of the CADC.
Dg. Nirupam Chakma provided an overview of the NCST, its composition, powers, and functions. He informed the participants of the full commission’s proposed visit in January, 2025 and encouraged the CADC to submit proposals for consideration.

Speaking on behalf of CADC, Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary, apprised him some of the important issues faced by the CADC such as lack of infrastructure such as office buildings, quarters and roads. He proposed that CADC should be designated as the channelizing agency for NM&DC and NTF&DC. He also appealed for the execution of BADP projects under the revised guidelines, construction of a Chakma House in New Delhi, a special economic package from NITI Ayog for infrastructure development, reallocation of lapsed TFC funds, establishment of a Skill Development Centre under PMKVY, special consideration for recruitment of Chakma youth into Central Paramilitary Forces, and addressing issues related to the Indo-Bangla border fencing.

The Executive Secretary also emphasized on the need for financial grants to CADC under Article 275(1) of the Indian Constitution which provides for central assistance for socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes.

Earlier in the day, a meeting was held with the district administration and departmental heads under the Chawngte Sub-Division. Dg. Nirupam Chakma invited them to provide reports on the functioning and difficulties being faced by their departments. He assured to raise these issues with the appropriate authorities. Representatives from Village Councils, the Central Young Chakma Association, Chakma Mahila Samiti, and the Government Kamalanagar College Students’ Union also called on Dg. Nirupam Chakma. They submitted representations for the establishment of infrastructure such as a multipurpose hall, roads, execution of solar pumping station, and the establishment of a Women’s Commission Branch in Kamalanagar.

No.32/2024

NCST Member Dg. Nirupam Chakma accorded grand welcome at Kamalanagar

Kamalanagar, November 7, 2024: Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Hon’ble Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), was accorded a grand traditional welcome upon his arrival at Kamalanagar today. This is his first official visit to CADC since his appointment as a member of the NCST. He was accompanied by Dg. Dilip Kanti Chakma, Legal Consultant, and Dgb. Parna Chakma, PA.

Dg. Nirupam Chakma was received at the Kamalanagar helipad by Dg. Ananta Bikash Chakma, i/c CEM; Dg. Molin Kumar Chakma, Adviser to CEM; Dg. Sundar Muni Chakma, Deputy Chairman; Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary and other high-ranking officials of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC).

Addressing the gathering shortly after his arrival, Dg. Nirupam Chakma expressed gratitude to the CADC authority, local NGOs, and the public for the warm reception. He informed the purpose of his visit was to lay the ground work for the upcoming visit of the full NCST team in January, 2025. He also invited the public and civil society organizations to share their concerns and assured that he would take their grievances and concerns to the appropriate authorities.

He will start meeting public, local NGOs, and civil society organizations and representatives of village councils tomorrow from 8:00 AM. In the afternoon, he will meet the district administrations from Chawngte sub-division and thereafter the CEM, Chairman, EMs, and MDCs of CADC. Prior to his planned departure on the 14th of November, he also plans to visit tribal villages for inspection of the implementation of various development programs within CADC.

No.31/2024

CADC to Introduce Permit System for Broom Stick Trade

Kamalanagar, 15 October, 2024: The Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) has decided to introduce a new licensing system to regulate the broom stick trade, replacing the existing Mohal system under the CADC. The decision was taken in its Executive Committee meeting held today (Tuesday, 15 October, 2024).

Under the new system, traders interested in harvesting both natural and gardener varieties of broom grass in CADC will now require a permit issued by the District Council Conservator of Forests (DCCF), CADC. The DCCF has been designated as the final authority to issue both the Permit and the Transit Permit required for the trade.

The rate for the Permit has been fixed at Rs. 3 per kilogram for both natural and gardener broom grass, while the rate for Transit Permit has been fixed at Rs.1 per kg.

As for the trade in sesame, it was decided that the existing system shall be continued and that the DCCF shall issue the permits as per the existing rates.

CADC to Introduce Mizo Language as Subject in Schools

Kamalanagar, 4th October 2024: In a significant development, the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) has decided to introduce Mizo as a subject in schools within its jurisdiction. The decision was made during the Executive Committee meeting of the 11th CADC held earlier today (October 4, 2024).

As per the decision, Mizo subject will be taught in all government-managed, local body, and Samagra Shiksha schools from the primary to upper levels within the CADC.
To facilitate this, the CADC will recruit Mizo language teachers once necessary funding is received from the Government of Mizoram.

The Education Department, CADC, has been advised to submit proposal to the state government for allocation of fund to CADC for implementing the decision.

CADC Observes Swachhata Hi Seva Week

Kamalanagar, Sept 26: A mass cleanliness drive was organized by the Chakma Autonomous District Council today (26th September, 2024) at Kamalanagar, as a part of the nation-wide Swachhata Hi Seva Week, 2024. Officials and staff from various departments of CADC actively participated in the drive. They cleaned the surrounding areas of Kamalanagar Astroturf football playground by removing the garbage, litters and wastes, and also trimmed the overgrown grasses.

The ongoing campaign, themed “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata,” encourages the citizens to make cleanliness a habitual practice while emphasizing its importance as a cultural and moral value. This campaign will continue till October 1, 2024, as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, ahead of his birth anniversary on October 2.

The campaign was launched on Tuesday (24th September, 2024) with a cleanliness drive in the premises of the CADC Secretariat and other offices. It is being observed in all Village Councils, as well as in Middle and Primary schools under the CADC.

As a part of the campaign, the CADC has issued a public notification prohibiting the discharge of sewage from septic tanks into open spaces, drains, rivers, and other public areas in order to maintain public hygiene. All the subordinate offices of various departments of CADC are observing the Swachhata Hi Seva Week by conducting similar cleanliness drives in their respective places.

Chakma Organizations in Mizoram Protest Violence Against Ethnic Minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

Kamalanagar, 23rd September 2024: On Sunday (22nd September 2024), a massive protest rally was organized by Chakma Civil Society Organizations and political parties of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) to protest against the recent violent attacks on ethnic minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh. The rally, held in Kamalanagar, the headquarters of the CADC, saw the participation of thousands of people, including Buddhist monks, political leaders, and students, calling for immediate intervention of the Government of India to stop the atrocities perpetrated against indigenous communities in CHT.

The violence, allegedly carried out by illegal settlers with reported support from the Bangladeshi Army, has resulted in widespread destruction. Over 100 houses, including several Buddhist temples, were set ablaze. Dozens of civilians were brutally killed, and many others were left injured. Hundreds of families, belonging to the minority communities, have been rendered homeless as their homes and properties were destroyed in the attacks.

In a memorandum addressed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and submitted through the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Chawngte, the organizations strongly urged the Government of India to intervene to stop the violence. They also demanded for the constitution of an impartial and independent Inquiry Commission to thoroughly investigate the indiscriminate firing that led to the deaths of innocent tribal people, the arson of homes and religious institutions, and the extensive destruction of property in the CHT; immediate withdrawal of the magisterial powers granted to the Bangladeshi Army in the CHT to prevent further atrocities against the indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities by the military; full implementation of the CHT Peace Accord of 1997 to bring lasting peace to the region; and to provide adequate compensation for the victims of communal violence, including assistance to rebuild homes and restore their livelihoods.

CADC Approves Reduction in Trade License Renewal Fee, Establishment of Social Security Cell, among others.

Kamalanagar, 23rd September 2024: The 14th Executive Committee Meeting of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) was held on Friday (20th September 2024), where several important resolutions were passed pertaining to trade regulations, social welfare schemes and administrative reforms in CADC, among others.

In a major decision, the committee reviewed the Chakma Autonomous District Council (Trading) Regulations, 2006, particularly concerning trade license fees. The council decided to maintain the existing fee structure for fresh trade licenses for residents, while non-residents will continue paying the current rates for temporary licenses. Besides, a 10% reduction in the license renewal fee for resident traders was approved.

The committee also gave a nod to the establishment of a dedicated cell under the Social Welfare Department for implementing the Government of India schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana. Moreover, health insurance policy of the State Bank of India (SBI) for CADC employees will be taken up by the Finance & Accounts Department, CADC, for introduction, opening of account and maintenance.

The Executive Committee also approved the proposal for framing of the CADC (Control of Parking and Collection of Parking Fees) Regulations, 2024, and the CADC (Display of Advertisement & Hoarding) Regulations, 2024, in conformity with similar regulations under the Lunglei Municipal Council. The draft regulations will be submitted for approval in the next session of CADC.

In an effort to strengthen administrative processes, a Personnel and Administrative Reform Cell will be set up under the General Administration Department (GAD). The committee resolved to engage Shri Sadanand Chakma (DTO), Shri Bijoy Kanti Chakma (RDO), Shri Suman Chakma, AEO (Agri), Shri Ashim Roy Chakma, OS (GAD) and Shri Prityrup Chakma, Assistant (GAD) for staff training.

The meeting also approved a cash reward of â‚ą50,000 for Miss Kerie Chakma, daughter of Shri Shanti Ranjan Chakma of Kamalanagar-II, in recognition of her achievement in sports. Miss Kerie, a state-level champion in cricket, has been selected to play at the national level cricket tournament.