Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar arrived in Aizawl on Monday ay on a two-day visit. He was received at Lengpui Airport by Dr. Andrew H. Vanlaldika, Additional Secretary, Home Department and C. Lalremruati, Protocol Officer. Kumar had a meeting with officials from various departments of the Government of Mizoram at MINECO Conference Hall. During the meeting, the Union Minister said that he had travelled from afar just to listen to the concerns and needs of the people and then urged the senior government officials present to speak freely and frankly about their concerns and priorities for the development of Mizoram.
The meeting was chaired by R. Zarzosanga, acting Chief Secretary of Mizoram; David Lalthantluanga, Secretary, Home Department and Ramdin Liani, Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department delivered PowerPoint presentations explaining the Centrally Sponsored Schemes being implemented under their respective departments, highlighting not only their achievements but also the challenges they face and the measures needed to address them. Following this, representatives from various government departments also presented in detail the initiatives undertaken by their respective departments, the challenges they encounter, the remedial measures for them and various other requirements of their departments. The Union Minister of State advised the officials to prepare comprehensive reports on their respective departments and submit them to him, assuring that necessary follow-up action would be taken accordingly.
The DIGs of BSF and 23 Sector Assam Rifles, who attended the meeting presented reports on border security management along Mizoram’s international borders (Myanmar and Bangladesh), issues relating to border fencing and measures for the development of border villages under the Vibrant Villages Programme. Officials of the Government of Mizoram also discussed various other important matters, including steps to promote tourism, the need to resolve difficulties faced by foreign tourists regarding Restricted Area Permit/Protected Area Permit, and sector-wise development priorities of Mizoram. They also deliberated on planning and implementation strategies for the state’s development in line with Viksit Bharat (Developed India) 2047 under “Transformed Mizoram Vision 2047.”
After the meeting with senior government officials, the Union Minister visited the Mizoram Police Headquarters at Khatla, where he was accorded a high tea reception by the Home Minister of Mizoram K. Sapdanga, at GS Arya Mess. The Minister will hold a meeting via video conferencing (VC) with senior government officials of Siaha district on Tuesday. He will also interact, through VC, with representatives of local communities and NGOs of Siaha district.
