Kamalanagar, 23 May, 2022: As many as 407 candidates appeared the Chakma language proficiency examination conducted today by District School Education Board at Kamalanagar Public School, Govt. Comprehensive Middle school, Kamalanagar and KMM Comprehensive Middle School, Kamalanagar. Dg. Molin Kumar Chakma, President, DSEB accompanied by Dg. Roymanikyo Chakma, Secretary, DSEB, Dgb. Mandira Chakma, Sr. Academic Officer, DSEB visited the three examination centres today.
This is the sixth such training cum examination on Chakma Language Proficiency held. Earlier, it was conducted in the years 2003, 2007, 2009, 2012 and 2019.
Chakma language as a subject is taught in all the schools under Chakma Autonomous District Council. Learning of the subject was introduced in the year 1994 and is now taught till class-VIII standard.
All successful candidates appearing the examination will get certificates qualifying them to teach the subject in schools. The examination was preceded by a 4-Day session of training w.e.f 18th May till 21st May for all the candidates. Eight instructors were engaged for the training.
Kamalanagar, 09 May, 2022: Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma the incumbent Chief Executive Member, Chakma Autonomous District Council was today removed from the office of Chief Executive Member in a motion of no-confidence moved in the first sitting of the Budget Session. The motion was moved by Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, MDC, CADC.
This was the second stint as CEM for Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma in this term. This time he has been removed from the office by a no-confidence motion. In the earlier instance he had tendered his resignation.
The motion was moved soon after the session began at 10:30 am and the Chairman adjourned the session till 1 pm. Discussion and voting on the motion was held in the second sitting of the session and Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma lost by 13 Members voting in favour of the motion. Six members including Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma remained absent from the session. This term has witnessed four CEMs so far.
The session was chaired by Dg. Buddhalila Chakma, Chairman, CADC.
Kamalanagar, 04 May, 2022: Oil palm farmers from around Kamalanagar town area were distributed tools and implements in a programme organized by ICAR – Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi and Department of Agriculture, Mizoram at CADC Rest House Conference Hall.
Pu R. Vanlalchhuanga, Dy. Director, Agriculture Department, Mizoram Government, Dr. Ravi Chandran G., Scientist, ICAR, Dr. Somasundaram G., Scientist, ICAR and Mr. Tapas Kumar Tripathy, Mizoram State Head, Ruchi Soya attended the programme as resource persons.
The programme is first of its kind attended by scientists from ICAR – Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi. Three villages from Mizoram namely Kamalanagar-II, Bungtlang South and Marpara South have been selected for this programme.
The resource persons have stated that the oil palm farmers in Mizoram have been facing problem with selling of their produce due to lack of road communication in many parts of the state which they said will be addressed at the earliest.
The farmers were encouraged to share their problems and needs so that they can be addressed.
It has been said that number of collection centres will be increased and a factory will be set up here in CADC area as the central government have launch a new Mission on Oil Palm known as the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) with special focus on the north east region.
The farmers were distributed tools for pruning and harvesting which cost more than Rs.7000 and motorized grass cutter for weeding which costs Rs.22,000. The farmers demanded for supply of fertilizers and PVC pipes for irrigation.
The resource persons have said that in the coming days training and workshops will be arranged for the benefit of the farmers.
Kamalanagar, 30 April, 2022: Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, Chief Executive Member, Chakma Autonomous District Council today unveiled the statue of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar to commemorate the occasion of CADC Golden Jubilee installed in the premises of New CADC Secretariat Complex.
The programme organized by CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee was attended by the Executive Members, MDCs, officers of CADC among others.
While explaining the significance of installing the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma stated that it was to express gratitude to the man who have provisioned the Sixth Schedule of the constitution of India under which Chakma Autonomous District Council came into being with many other Autonomous District Councils for the tribals inhabiting the many excluded and partially excluded areas of northeast India.
“It is also to inspire suppressed communities like us to struggle in life and rise above to fight back for our rights and dignity. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s life itself is an epitome of struggle of a disadvantaged man to success and fighting for the rights of the suppressed”, he stated while adding, “Our children, the children of a suppressed community shall be inspired by the life of Babasaheb to overcome their disadvantaged condition and rise to secure their rights and of their community”.
He further added, “It is also in recognition of his contribution to the revival of Buddhism in India which have been wiped off for centuries from the land of its origin”.
While recognizing the role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India the CEM stated that it would not have been easy for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar alone had it not been for James Joy Mohan Nichols Roy who had persistently pushed for retention of the Sixth Schedule despite vociferous resistant against from many sections in the Constituent Assembly, in the backdrop of proposal for assimilation of the tribals.
It was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who have drawn a parallel of the tribals of Northeast India with that of American Red Indians to back the provisioning of the Sixth Schedule in the Indian Constitution. The American Red Indians in United States enjoyed autonomy under so called Reservation or Boundaries.
Talking in detail about how the Sixth Schedule found its place in the scheme of the Indian Constitution he stated that the Indian federation basically originated from provinces fully administered by the British, the partially independent princely states and the excluded and partially excluded areas lived by the tribals of Northeast India. The tribals of Northeast India were not Hinduised unlike tribals of mainland India whose life were more or less influenced by Hinduism. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India was drafted to provide for special administration for the excluded and partially excluded areas.
He termed the installation of the statue one of the most appropriate and significant actions taken by the CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee to mark the golden jubilee of Chakma Autonomous District Council.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
