Press Releases

Chakma Autonomous District Council celebrates Golden Jubilee

Kamalanagar, 29 April, 2022: Chakma Autonomous District Council today kicked off the celebration of 50 years of CADC’s existence with an inaugural programme organized at Kamalanagar Halipad. Pu Lalrinliana Sailo, Hon’ble Speaker, Mizoram graced the occasion as Chief Guest who arrived from Aizawl this morning accompanied by Pu Lalrinawma, Commissioner & Secretary, Mizoram Legislative Assembly and Pu R. Vanlalsawta, Joint Secretary, District Council & Minority Affairs Department.

Distinguished guests Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, CEM, CADC, Dg. Nihar Kanti Chakma, MLA, West Tuipui Assembly Constituency, Dr. Buddha Dhan Chakma, MLA, Tuichawng Assembly Constituency, Dg. Buddhalila Chakma, Chairman, CADC have attended the programme.

The celebration started with chanting of prayers by Bhikkhus and release of gas balloon for peace by the Chief Guest. In tribute candles were lighted before the framed photographs of pioneers of CADC autonomy movement and Dgb. Jyotsna Chakma, Member, CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee offered condolences to all the deceased councilors.

The programme showcased the varied aspects of tradition Jhumma life of the Chakmas performed by the Young Chakma Association and Chakma Mahila Samiti in collaboration with Art & Culture Department, CADC which included the different stages of Jhum cultivation, fishing, spinning of thread from cotton and weaving, dragging of a country boat over a shallow rapid and marriage rituals.

The programme also showcased cultural items presented by Chakma Mahila Samiti, Cheraw dance by residents of Saizawh (W) and traditional dance Dailo by the Bru community.

Pu Lalrinliana Sailo speaking recalled how the venue of the programme, the Kamalanagar Helipad was once not like this but had three hillocks which were flattened to form a flat piece of land in which he took part while urging the three main communities living in CADC to live and mingle in harmony like the three hillocks.

He urged the YCA to work for the progress and development of CADC and to stand guard to check corruption and ensure proper utilization of developmental fund.
He donated Rs.50,000 and Rs.40,000 to the Young Chakma Association and Chakma Mahila Samiti respectively in recognition of their social service.

The CEM, CADC while speaking of the great sacrifice and pain endured by the pioneers of CADC autonomy movement narrated in detail how the leaders like Dg. Kristo Mohan Chakma, Dg. Hari Kristo Chakma, Dg. Gaur Nitai Chakma, Dg. Baneshwar Chakma and Dg. Atul Chandra Chakma maintained a sustained demand for autonomy for the Chakmas of Mizoram through constitutional means by making trip after trip to Shillong and Guwahati despite the wretched condition of the Chakma community then.

“It is our duty that we make ourselves worthy of the great sacrifice made and the legacy left upon us”, he emphasized.

“The Chakma Autonomous District Council has restored partially the Chakmas their right to self-determination which was once enjoyed by them prior to the British subjugating the Chakma king by treachery”, he stated while adding, “None of us should harbour even by a trace that any favour has been done on us by having been granted the autonomy in the form of CADC, as such thinking can take toll upon our morale and dignity”.

He further added, “It is our natural right and all princely states existing during the time of India’s Independence were granted the choice for self-determination”. The programme can be viewed here.

The celebration will continue in the evening with a cultural programme scheduled.

CADC Golden Jubilee emblem unveiled

Kamalanagar, 18 April, 2022: An emblem to commemorate the occasion of Golden Jubilee of Chakma Autonomous District Council was unveiled today in a programme organized by Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee in the CADC Conference Hall, Kamalanagar. CADC will complete 50 glorious years on 29th of this month.

Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, Hon’ble CEM, CADC and Chief Guest of the programme, Dg. Buddhalila Chakma, Hon’ble Chairman, CADC and Guest of Honour of the programme, Executive Members, CADC, MDCs, Head of Departments of CADC have attended the programme.

The emblem was designed with the figure 50 written in Chakma script with a torch bearing man running, clad in dhoti, enclosed by the digit five while the zero housed the CADC emblem. The number 50 has been traced with the tri-colours of the CADC flag. The running man symbolizes progress and the torch held by the man symbolizes wisdom.

*The Golden Jubilee Emblem in colour and black and white*

The CEM announced in the programme that the emblem will be used in all official correspondences throughout the Golden Jubilee year to mark the momentous occasion.

The CEM in his speech asserted that the autonomy being enjoyed due to the existence of Chakma Autonomous District Council is not something endowed upon the Chakmas out of favour while adding that it is just restoration of our right which have been taken away by the British.

He said, “The CADC is a recognition by the Constitution of India that we were once a proud self-governing race with unique system of administration headed by a king who administered through his council of Ministers and bureaucrats – Dewan, Talukdar and so on.”

He also appreciated and expressed gratitude to the pioneers of CADC who had the political awareness and farsightedness as far back as 1950 to persist with their demand for right to self-determination and added, “Chakmas are fortunate to have had such leaders”.

“This moment is not only of joy and celebration but also an opportunity to ponder and asses if we had made the progress, we should have in 50 years”, he added.

Kamalanagar-III bags the first prize for being the most clean village

Kamalanagar, 6 March, 2022: Kamalanagar-III was adjudged the most clean village within Kamalanagar town area in the CEM’s Cleanliness Award programme held today at Kamalanagar-III Community Hall and bagged the first prize. Second prize and third prize went to Bajeisora and Kamalanagar-IV respectively. The programme has been organized by Chakma Mahila Samiti and it was sponsored by Local Administration Department, CADC.

This cleanliness award programme is the first of its kind in CADC’s history and was initiated in the year 2019 as formally announced then by Hon’ble CEM, CADC Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma. The award could not be given immediately then due to the covid-19 pandemic situation. “This will be an annual affair”, the CEM said.

The CEM speaking today in the programme stated that Chakma Mahila Samiti was entrusted for assessing the worthy candidates for the award in recognition of the contribution of the mothers over generations for maintaining cleanliness of households while dismissing stereotype connected with this decision. “It is also the sincerity with which CMS pursue any task assigned to them that made them deserving of this responsibility”, the CEM said.

The CEM said that the idea for the award germinated in the mind of his better half while also giving credit to the inspiration due to the Swatchh Bharat Abhiyan programme of government of India.

“Cleanliness is all about making it a habit and who understands its value. It’s not about being rich or poor. I have come across people who earn a lot yet cleanliness is not valued by them while have seen poor families maintaining super cleanliness”, he said.

He also proposed that award for cleanliness for individual household should also be instituted.

Dg. H. Amaresh Chakma, Executive Member i/c LAD and the Guest of Honour of the programme proposed that the community can help meet the mounting burden of expenses of CADC authority in collecting and disposing garbage of households of Kamalanagar town area by paying reasonable charges for the service as is practiced in LADC and MADC. He also assured to issue order prohibiting discharge of septic tank content into river Toijong while acknowledging the seriousness of the matter raised by Dgb. Jyotsna Chakma, former President, CMS in her speech.

Dgb. Jyotsna Chakma hailed the initiative historic and emphasized the need for role of both the government and the public in this mission for a clean environment.

Dgb. Mandira Chakma, former President, CMS made a point that garbage generated in Chakma household is generally high on an average and hence, the need to ramp up the frequency of service of LAD for collection of garbage from households.

Dgb. Monika Chakma, President, CMS urged for maintaining general cleanliness while attributing it a character of a civilized race.

CEM, CADC announced Rs.3 crores for pavement of town roads at Longpuighat public meeting

Kamalanagar, 28 February, 2022: Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, Chief Executive Member, Chakma Autonomous District Council who is on tour to Longpuighat and Rengkashya area announced that Rs.3 crores have been pledged by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Pu Zoramthanga for pavement of town roads of Kamalanagar, Longpuighat and Borapansury to mark the Golden Jubilee celebration of CADC.

The announcement was made in a huge public gathering at Longpuighat. Of the Rs.3 crores, Rs.2 Crores will be allotted for Kamalanagar and Rs.0.5 crores each for Longpuighat and Borapansury. The amount being meagre, the Hon’ble CEM appealed the local NGO leaders and the general public to support the work with voluntary services which the public responded with affirmation. He said that work will start off from next month itself on mission mood for completion within the Golden Jubilee year.

The CEM on request of Pu Lalruatkima, MOS i/c Rural Development, also visited the Assistant Project Officer office building constructed at Longpuighat under DRDA and expressed happiness with the successful completion of the work. He informed that the office will be functional very soon as assured by the Hon’ble RD Minister.

While expressing concern over lost of forest area every year due to fire caused by jhum burning, the CEM appealed the public to complete burning of Jhum by 15th of March in compliance of government directive and to ensure fire lines as well.

He also appealed the public throughout CADC to engage in road side plantation on the ocassion of celebration of CADC Golden Jubilee which he said will be the real tribute to CADC on its 50th birth anniversary.

The CEM termed the tour very successful while stating that huge public gatherings have been witnessed at Longpuighat, Rengkashya, Lokhisury and Futsury.

Awareness programme on Mizoram State Health Care Scheme held at Kamalanagar

Kamalanagar, 22 February, 2022: Today a team of officials from Mizoram State Health Care Society organized an awareness programme on the benefits of Mizoram State Health Care Scheme (MSHCS) and Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) at CADC Conference Hall, Kamalanagar. The team will also hold the programme at Borapansury and Longpuighat.

The programme was attended by Village Council representatives of Kamalanagar town area and representatives of Young Chakma Association and Chakma Mahila Samiti.

The officials of MHCS speaking remarked that there is lot of misgivings about the benefit of the schemes within CADC area and stated the programme has been especially arranged to dispel all such doubts and reservations surrounding the benefit of the schemes. The low rate of enrollment for the schemes from CADC area has been attributed to lack of awareness and misgivings about the schemes.

The enrollment for the MSHCS-2022-2023 has started from 16th February 2022 and will remain available till 16th May, 2022. Health workers and ASHAs of respective local area can be approached for enrolment. A AAY ration card holder can enroll for Rs.200, a PHH card holder for Rs.1000 and a Non-NFSA card holder for Rs.2000. All family members shown in the ration card will be covered under the scheme. Even a person without a ration card can also enroll for Rs.2000.

Under MSHCS and AB-PMJAY, one can claim cost of medical expenses on hospitalization of up to Rs.2 Lakhs and Rs.5 Lakhs respectively. The enrolment under MSHCS has to be renewed every year.

All hospitals, both government and private, within Mizoram are empaneled with the MSHC scheme while AB-PMJAY can be availed in select hospitals. The benefit of AB-PMJAY is only available to select beneficiaries the list of which can be had from the local health sub-centre. For availing benefit under AB-PMJAY, Golden Card has to be issued either from the hospital or the Common Service Centre. To claim bills under MSHCS for hospitalization outside Mizoram the cases had to be referred by the Medical Board. Travelling expenses incurred by a referred case are also accepted for claim.

A government employee who is entitled to MR bill is not eligible for enrolment under the scheme.

CADC winter session held

Kamalanagar, 14 February, 2022: The Chakma Autonomous District Council winter session which started today concluded over a single sitting.

The sitting answered two starred and two unstarred questions all of which were put to the House Leader and Chief Executive Member, CADC Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma.

In reply to a question put by Dg. Shanti Jiban Chakma, MDC regarding revision of pay of Members of District Council as per the new CADC Member’s Salary Bill, the CEM, CADC informed that the matter will be taken up immediately after the ongoing Mizoram Assembly Session, as has been assured by the Deputy Chief Minister, Mizoram over telephone.

“Additional grant of Rs.1303.52 Lakhs has been allocated in the current financial year which is yet to be sanctioned”, the CEM stated in reply to another question by a Member.

The CEM further stated that Rs.5 lakhs has been spent for procuring school text books for distribution free of cost but did not distribute them as school had to be closed due to Covid-19.

In response to another question, it was affirmed that CADC would be celebrating completion of 50 years of formation of CADC while giving some details of preparation undertaken like installation of statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, publication of a souvenir, display of hoardings, etc.

CEM, CADC visits CADC Fish Seed Hatchery under construction

Kamalanagar, 13 February, 2022: The CADC fish seed hatchery under construction at Dulubonya with funding under MLA Local Area Development Fund, 2021-2022 was visited yesterday by Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member, CADC accompanied by Dg. Amit Kumar Chakma, EM, i/c Fishery, Dg. Lokhidhan Chakma, Dy. Chairman, Dg. Uday Tongchangya, MDC, Dg. Hara Prasad Chakma, DAO and Dg. H. Nutan Chakma, DCFDO.

The construction at a cost of Rs.20 lakhs includes a water storage tank of 45,000 litres capacity, a circular breeding pool, two hatching pools, a spawn collection chamber, a spawn packing cum rest shed, five nursery ponds and one brood fish stocking pond.

The CEM, CADC was all praise for the fishery department, the implementing agency with the quality of work. The CEM expressed the need for construction of a chawkider quarter and fencing the area with wire mesh while assuring the department for fund provision in the CADC budget.

The hatchery will be ready for production within the end of this year and will be inaugurated by Dr. B.D. Chakma, Hon’ble MLA. The hatchery once ready for production will do away dependency on outsourcing of fish seed supply for fish farmers in CADC. It will also be a great source of revenue for CADC. Published by Information & Public Relations Dept., CADC

Chairman, CADC urges youth to make use of social media for productive purpose on Republic Day

Kamalanagar, 26 January, 2022: Dg. Buddhalila Chakma, Chairman, Chakma Autonomous District Council on the occasion of celebration of 73rd Republic Day of India, organized in the premises of CADC secretariat, urged the youths to make use of social media for productive and beneficial purpose and refrain from destructive engagement. The appeal comes in the backdrop of rampant and unrestricted use of social media in the recent time to abuse and disrespect individuals with fake accounts.

While noting that there has been an alarming drop in respect for elders and for each other in the society, which otherwise use to be the hallmark of the Chakma society, he urged the Education Department, CADC to make emphasis over moral teaching in schools. He expressed regret and apprehension over the trend and felt the need to act to restore the moral fabric of the society that is ever taking a downhill trajectory.

The celebration programme has been curtailed and kept low key in view of the Covid pandemic that has seen a surge in positive cases recently. Invitees to the programme has been limited with only leaders and head of departments taking part.

Meeting-cum-awareness campaign on prevention and control of fire held

Kamalanagar, 24 January, 2022: Meeting-cum-awareness campaign on prevention and control of forest fire was held today in the conference hall of CADC Rest House, Kamalanagar organized by Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department, CADC in collaboration with Young Chakma Association and TARUM.

Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, Chief Executive Member, CADC and Dg. Charan Singh Chakma, Executive Member, CADC attended the programme as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour. The programme was also attended by leaders of Kamalanagar town area village councils and local NGOs.

It has been decided that awareness campaign on prevention of forest fire & protection of water sources shall be jointly organized by the NGOs & concerned department. To give effect to the agendum local level committees will be constituted at every village with members of village council and NGOs.

The Committees shall oversee and ensure burning of Jhum on or before 15th of March, ensure fire line along the border of jhums to prevent spread of fire to forest areas, check fishing with chemicals, by electrocution and explosion, check dumping of garbage/waste products into water bodies and demarcate boundaries of catchment areas of water sources and VFDC gardens.

Domestic Cattle such as bulls/cows and buffaloes which cause pollution to water bodies will be strictly prohibited from entering them.

The Committee shall encourage residents for planting of seedlings in memory of one’s own parents to enhance greenery in the locality.

CEM, CADC inspects Kamalanagar football ground under construction. First tournament on Astro Turf field to be played on CADC Golden Jubilee celebration

Kamalanagar, 14 January, 2022: Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, Chief Executive Member, Chakma Autonomous District Council today visited the Kamalanagar football ground under construction for laying artificial turf facilitated by Mizoram Sports Department. He was accompanied by his colleague MDCs.

The project is funded under PMJVK at a cost of Rs.532.50 Lakhs which includes site preparation, security fencing, concrete paver block footpath around the ground. There is also separate fund provision for construction of a pavilion cum change room and two viewers galleries.

On interaction with the work supervisor of the contractor it has been learnt that the football field will be ready by the month of March, 2022. As of now 40% of the work has been completed.

“The first football tournament on the new Astro turf field will be played on the ocassion of CADC Golden Jubilee celebration which is due in April this year, to be organized by Mizoram Sport Department in collaboration with Chakma Autonomous District Council and Central Young Chakma Association”, the CEM, CADC informed while stating that it is being made possible on the initiative of Pu Robert Romawia Royte, Hon’ble Minister of State.

He also attributed the project being granted here, to this remote and backward part of the state, to his goodwill for the Chakma minority community.

He further added, “A youth hostel will be proposed near the football field which will facilitate accommodation for sports team hailing from far off corners during a tournament.”