Kamalanagar, 02 July, 2024: A solemn condolence meeting was held today at the CADC Secretariat Office in honor of late Dg. Jayan Chakma, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, CADC, who passed away early this morning. The meeting was conducted by Dg. Montu Chakma, Executive Member and in-charge Chief Executive Member, and was attended by the Councilors and officials of CADC.
Late Dg. Jayan Chakma was born on January 1, 1968, and joined the CADC as a Cultural Assistant on September 17, 1987. He was eventually promoted to the post of Executive Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD).
The eulogy of the departed Executive Engineer was read by Dg. Montu Chakma, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the CADC through the Public Works Department and his efforts in the development of the Chakma language, scripts and the preservation of the Chakma culture.
Dg. Jayan Chakma passed away due to liver cirrhosis at 2:40 AM on July 2, 2024, at the age of 56 years.
A silent prayer was observed for the peace of the departed soul.
Kamalanagar, the 13th June, 2024: The Executive Committee of the Chakma Autonomous District Council, in its 12th meeting held today took the following resolutions:
1.P/S & MS Education: It was resolved that Annapana meditation shall be introduced in the Primary and Middle Schools within CADC (optional). Teachers interested in taking 10 days Vipassana course may avail leave through the concerned Headmasters on a rotational basis. 10-minutes Anapana meditation shall be conducted at the start of the school. Mizoram Vipassana Meditation Centre, Kamalanagar, shall arrange introductory courses in meditation for all schools within the CADC.
2. Land, Revenue & Settlement Department: It was resolved that the following officials shall be entrusted with the drafting of Land & Revenue Act, 2024:
(i) Executive Member (Revenue) & Law & Judicial Department (ii) Executive Secretary, CADC (iii) Sr. Revenue Officer (iv) Dg. Manabendra Chakma, RSO and (iv) Dg. Uttam Chakma, Judicial Officer. They have been advised to complete the task before the next Monsoon Session of CADC.
3. General Administration & Control Department: It was resolved that 9 (Nine) staff members of Borapansury Primary Health Centre who were found guilty during the inquiry shall be terminated immediately and the resulting vacant posts shall be filled up till the time the government takes up the PHC.
4. Law & Judicial Department: It was resolved that the compilation of CADC Court records shall be completed within 6 (Six) months by the concerned department. The Customary Law Code Sub Rule 6 of Rule 32 shall also be amended.
5. Sports & Youth Services Department: It was resolved that Cash reward shall be given to individuals from Chakma Autonomous District Council excelling in the field of sports as specified hereunder:
Kamalanagar, June 13, 2024: The Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department of the Chakma Autonomous District Council launched the โGreen Mizoram Weekโ today with a mass plantation of tree saplings in Kamalanagar. Various departments of CADC, local Village Councils, and NGOs came together to plant tree saplings along the SSB Colony โ ADFM roadside.
Green Mizoram Week 2024
Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, the Chief Executive Member & MLA of Mizoram, along with his Executive Committee colleagues, inaugurated the programme by planting the first saplings. They then visited the designated planting sites to observe the efforts of staff members from various departments.
This programme is a part of the state-wide โGreen Mizoram Dayโ observance, an initiative aimed at promoting environmental awareness and action. Yesterday, a preparatory meeting was held at the Chakma Rest House Conference Hall, chaired by Dg. Sanjeev Chakma, the Executive Member i/c Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department. The meeting was attended by Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma as the Chief Guest. Other Executive Members, heads of departments, NGO representatives, and Village Council members were also present in the meeting. The meeting discussed various measures to safeguard the dwindling forest cover of CADC. It was resolved in the meeting that a large-scale plantation of tree saplings would be conducted to mark the beginning of Green Mizoram Week within CADC. Each department and NGO was allotted specific plots along the SSB Colony to ADFM road for planting of saplings. The CEM, CADC impressed upon the stakeholders that it was equally important to take care of the saplings as much as planting them was.
Green Mizoram Week 2024
The Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department, which organized the event, aims to plant 10,000 saplings during the week-long observance.
Kamalanagar, 07 June 2024: On 6th June 2024, Thursday, the Chief Executive Member of the Chakma Autonomous District Council and MLA, Mizoram, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, inaugurated two newly constructed school buildings at Golasury and Ajasora-II. Earlier on 5th June, 2024, two other primary schools were inaugurated at Udalthana-II and Aratinagar.
The inauguration programmes were graced by the presence of Dg. Ananta Bikash Chakma, Executive Member, Dg. Santosh Chakma and Dgb. Sona Chakma, Members of District Councils, officials from the CADC Education Department, students and their parents, schoolโs staff members, local NGOs and School Management Committee members. Funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Community Development Programme scheme, each of the school buildings was constructed at an estimated amount of โน30,87,100.
In his addresses, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma highlighted the significant efforts his government has made to improve educational infrastructure in CADC since 2019. He pointed out that substantial amount of funds had been allocated for educational development in CADC during the tenure of the past administrations, but the resources were not utilized effectively which left the schools in pathetic conditions.
He said his government has left no stone unturned in working for the peopleโs development by exploring all possible avenues. Through relentless effort, his government has been able to secure the projects from the NEC for the constructions of ten school buildings across CADC. He also highlighted several innovative measures introduced by his administration, including free distribution of textbooks, free school admission, and the provision of furniture and other essential materials to the schools within the CADC. These initiatives, he asserted, had not been undertaken by the previous administrations.
Expressing his deep concern about the current educational standards in CADC, which he described as โdangerously low,โ Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma shared his apprehensions about a bleak future for todayโs school children if the quality of education does not improve. โWhatever blunder had been committed in the past should not be repeated. I urge the teaching fraternity to re-double their efforts in raising the quality of education. By learning lessons from the past mistakes, we must implement measures that safeguard our children and benefit the future of our communityโ, he said.
Executive Member Dg. Ananta Bikash Chakma, speaking at the program, described the new school building at Golasury village within his constituency as a valuable asset for its residents and urged the teachers, local NGOs, and community members to take proper care of the school by conducting periodic inspections to uphold its condition. Dg. Santosh Chakma, MDC, expressed gratitude towards Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma for selecting Ajasora village within his constituency for the construction of a new school building. He urged everyone to ensure that the school building is well-maintained and beneficial to the community for many years to come.
In her short speech, Dgb. Sona Chakma, MDC, appealed to the guardians to prioritize their childrenโs education. She highlighted the importance of teaching them the dignity of labor to prepare them for any challenges in their future, explaining further that education is not just about academics but also about instilling values and a strong work ethic in the next generation.
Kamalanagar, 5 June 2024: The Chief Executive Member of the Chakma Autonomous District Council & MLA, 36-Tuichawng Assembly Constituency, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, inaugurated two newly constructed primary school buildings today. The schools, Udalthana-II Primary School and Nirupam Primary School at Aratinagar, were built with funding from the North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Community Development Programme. Each school was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 30,87,100.
The inauguration programmes, organized by the Education Department, CADC, were attended by Executive Members, MDCs, officials from the Education Department and the Public Works Department (PWD), students’ guardians, members of local NGOs, Village Council, and the School Management Committee.
In his address, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma commended the persistent efforts of his administration in bringing these projects to fruition. He recalled the continuous pursuit of these projects by his government since the Mizo National Front (MNF) assumed office in CADC in 2019. He extended heartfelt thanks to Shri Gopal Chetri, the then Director of NEC, for his assistance in expediting the release of the allocated funds and appreciated the concerned departments and officials of CADC for effectively monitoring these projects to ensure their successful implementation.
Expressing concerns about the current educational standards in the area, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma urged the teaching community to make sincere efforts to improve the quality of education, saying that the noble service of imparting education accrues merit (punnya).
He reiterated that the CADC authority is providing the teaching community with all that are entitled to them within its capacity and expected them to fulfill their responsibilities with dedication and sincerity.
Executive Member, Dg. Kalasoga Chakma speaking at the programme stressed that while the government’s responsibility is to bring development and create infrastructure, it is the responsibility of the public to look after it with proper care. He requested the village council members and the School Management Committee to work closely with the teaching staff to ensure the education system at the grassroots level runs smoothly for the benefit of the school children.
Dg. Santosh Chakma, MDC of CADC, and Dg. Gana Chandra Chakma, Education Officer, through their short speeches, advised the teaching community to be dutiful and encouraged community participation in running the schools smoothly and improving educational standards. They emphasized the critical role of the teaching community in shaping the future of the students and the community at large.
Kamalanagar, 21 May 2024: Dg. Supreme Raj Chakma, MDC, has been officially sworn in as an Executive Member of the 11th Chakma Autonomous District Council in a ceremony held today at the Arts & Culture Hall, Kamalanagar. His appointment, recommended by the Chief Executive Member of CADC, was approved by the Governor of Mizoram on May 7, 2024.
Pi B. Malsawmtluangi, MCS, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Lawngtlai, administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy in the presence of CADC councilors, officials and other dignitaries.
Dg. Supreme Raj Chakma was elected as an MDC from the 3-Chhotapansury Constituency on Indian National Congress (INC) party ticket in the CADC General Election, 2023, and later joined the MNF party. This marked his successful debut in electoral politics. He holds a law degree from University of Delhi, and had been a practicing lawyer before joining politics.
The Chief Executive Member & MLA, Mizoram, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, addressing the gathering, warmly congratulated the newly sworn-in Executive Member and expressed confidence in his capabilities. He emphasized the significance of this momentous day, noting that his swearing-in completes the 11th Executive Committee of CADC which also coincides with current Executive Committeeโs successful completion of one year in office.
Reflecting on the various challenges faced, he commended the present Executive Committee for its commitment to good governance. He firmly asserted that the Executive Committee bears no blame for any shortcomings and highlighted its marked improvement over previous administrations. He expressed his commitment to uphold this standard and sought the support of all stakeholders to continue serving the people with dedication.
He also expressed concern over certain elements within the Chakma society propagating negativity driven by hatred, and emphasized the need to discard such detrimental mindsets for the brighter future of the community.
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 governmentโs 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.
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 6th 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. Ambedkarโs 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 communityโs 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. โTo 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,โ 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.
Kamalanagar, 10th April, 2024: In the second sitting of the ongoing Budget Session of the 11th 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.
Kamalanagar, 9th March, 2024: The first sitting of the Budget Session, 2024-2025, of the 11th 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 โneed of the hourโ, 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 โ Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchanggya, and Dg. Doymoy Daveng Chakma โ 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 10th April, 2024 (Wednesday).
