Kamalanagar, 15 August 2026: The 80th Independence Day of India was celebrated across the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) today, with Independence Day programmes held at the CADC Secretariat Complex, Kamalanagar, and various other locations across the Council. At the CADC Secretariat Complex, Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member (CEM), CADC, hoisted the National Flag as the Chief Guest.
Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, CADC, Executive Members, Members of District Council, former Councillors, other dignitaries, invited guests, senior officers and staff of CADC were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the CEM paid tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and acknowledged the contribution of soldiers, security personnel, farmers, workers, scientists, teachers and citizens in strengthening the nation.
Speaking on the role of the Sixth Schedule and the CADC, Dg. Nirupam Chakma said that the Council, along with its elected representatives, has a responsibility to function with integrity, transparency and accountability and to maintain a clear development vision.
He said that CADC’s development priorities should include better roads and communication, healthcare, quality education, employment opportunities, irrigation, drinking water, electricity, digital connectivity and stronger livelihood opportunities. He called for greater productivity and market orientation in agriculture and promotion of horticulture, fisheries, livestock, handloom, handicrafts, food processing, bamboo-based industries and other local enterprises.
The CEM also stressed the need to provide greater opportunities for young people through skill development, vocational education, ITI-level training, entrepreneurship and modern technology. He said that strengthening schools and educational institutions was essential for the future development of CADC.
Referring to the preservation of Chakma identity, he said that development and preservation of cultural heritage must go together. He called for the protection of the Chakma language, literature, music, dance, traditional knowledge, arts, crafts and Buddhist cultural traditions while also embracing modern education, technology and innovation.
On grassroots development, Dg. Nirupam Chakma described the Village Councils as the foundation of grassroots democracy in CADC and said that they need greater capacity and better planning for transparent implementation of development programmes. He said development should reach every village and include village-level infrastructure, livelihoods, drinking water, sanitation, roads, community assets and economic opportunities.
In this connection, the CEM also announced that the Executive Committee in its meeting, decided to allow the existing nominated members of Village Councils to complete the residual period of their respective terms. He described the decision as a special gesture on the occasion of Independence Day.
Addressing the youth, the CEM encouraged them to acquire skills, learn new technologies, explore entrepreneurship and remain open to emerging opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital technology, modern agriculture, renewable energy, tourism and new forms of enterprise.
He also called for greater opportunities for women in education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, self-help groups, handicrafts, food processing and public leadership, stating that women must be equal partners in the development of society.
On governance, he said that public money belongs to the people and must be used honestly and efficiently for development. He called for transparency, accountability, efficiency and discipline in administration and said that political differences should not become an obstacle to development.
Referring to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the CEM said that CADC should also have a clear vision for its contribution to the development of India. He spoke of the aspiration for a Viksit CADC with quality education, better connectivity, accessible healthcare, productive agriculture, skilled youth, empowered women, vibrant local enterprises, sustainable villages, stronger tourism and cultural industries, and transparent and responsive governance.
On the occasion, he called upon the people to work together for a peaceful, prosperous and progressive CADC, empower the youth, strengthen villages, protect culture and the environment, ensure transparent and accountable governance, and contribute to the making of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Independence Day was also celebrated at various locations across CADC, with elected leaders of the Council attending the celebrations as Chief Guests. Dg. Molin Kumar Chakma, Adviser to the CEM, hoisted the National Flag at Parva; Dg. Lakkhan Chakma, Executive Member, at Bajeisora High School; Dg. Supreme Raj Chakma, Executive Member, at KMM Comprehensive Middle School, Kamalanagar-III; Dg. Doymoy Daveng Chakma, Executive Member, at Public School, Kamalanagar; and Dg. Sanjib Chakma, Member of District Council, at the YCA playground, Borapansury-II.
