Governor Leads 77th Republic Day Celebrations in Mizoram

Aizawl, January, 2026: Mizoram joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the 77th Republic Day of India with enthusiasm and solemnity across the State. The main State-level function was held at Lammual Ground, Aizawl, beginning at 9:00 am. Mizoram Governor, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), unfurled the National Flag, following which the parade contingents paid their respects by saluting the Tricolour. This was followed by the Governor’s Republic Day Address.

In his Republic Day address, Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh extended warm greetings to the people of Mizoram on the 77th Republic Day. He stated, “Seventy-six years ago, we, the people of India, adopted the Constitution to secure justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for ourselves. Under this great Constitution, we remain committed to preserving unity and integrity in our magnificent nation.” He paid tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed everything for India’s independence and emphasised the importance of diligently pursuing and realizing the Constitution’s objectives.

The Governor highlighted several notable achievements and initiatives of the Mizoram Government in recent times. He mentioned the progress under the flagship Hand Holding Scheme (Bana Kaih), where loans have been provided to progress partners, along with funds disbursed under the CM Special Package Grant. Phase-II of these efforts is ongoing, with Rs 350 crore allocated for the current financial year. He described the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line by the Prime Minister on September 13, 2025, as a historic milestone for Mizoram that will significantly boost development. The Governor commended on the success of Mizoram on being declared the country’s first fully literate state on May 20, 2025, and noted the successful conduct of various elections over the past year.

On law and order, he stated that Mizoram remains one of the most peaceful states in the country, thanks to effective enforcement by law enforcement agencies. The Home Department has established a Directorate of Prosecution. Since April 2025, Mizoram Police have seized drugs worth Rs 816 crore, arecanut worth Rs 17.8 crore, and 42 weapons, leading to 217 criminal cases registered and 338 arrests. The Excise & Narcotics Department seized 474 kg of contraband drugs, prosecuted 611 offenders, and enforced the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2025 and Rules, 2025 (notified in October 2025), generating revenue of Rs 1.69 crore.

In the public distribution system, efforts under the One Nation One Ration Card and modernization schemes include the construction of a 1500 MT capacity godown at Sairang, and the launch of online border checkpost modules at Vairengte and Kanhmun. The Central Government has approved the Khawthlangtuipui-Tuichawng Inland Water Transport Infrastructure project, and District Transport Officer (DTO) offices have been established in the three new districts. Tourism has seen steady growth, with over 4 lakh tourists visiting Mizoram by October of the previous year. The state received the ‘Emerging Eco & Nature Retreat Award’ at the National Tourism Conclave. Initiatives under PM Ekta Mall, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, and SASCI schemes continue to promote tourism, while the Live Museum showcasing Mizo culture has received significant appreciation.

In healthcare, progress includes the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS), under which government hospitals, 13 private hospitals in Mizoram, 3 day care centres, and 25 private hospitals outside the state have been onboarded. Eight departments under ZMC&H achieved Platinum category NQAS certification, with additions of 30 private cabin beds, 13 ICU beds, and 2 SNCU beds. The Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) ranked 5th nationally and received a National Excellence Award. A CT Simulator was installed at the State Cancer Hospital, and 94 facilities achieved NQAS certification by November 2025. A Short Stay Centre at Huhliap continues to address drug abuse rehabilitation.

Mizoram became one of the first states to conduct social audits under the Building & Other Construction Workers Act. An Data & Artificial Intelligence Lab was inaugurated at ITI Aizawl, with over 400 trainees completing training last year. The Mizoram State University Bill, 2025 was passed, and preparations are underway for academic sessions, including the establishment of Mizoram Engineering College at Pukpui with 80 posts. Under Samagra Shiksha, 229 secondary and senior secondary schools received Interactive Flat Panels for smart classrooms, and a New Age Technology Skills Lab was set up at Govt. Comprehensive Middle School, Aizawl.

Other notable initiatives and achievements include funding for the SDG Dashboard and the CSR Matchmaking Portal; implementation of the Industrial and Investment Policy of Mizoram, 2025; and operational readiness of the Land Customs Station (LCS) at Zokhawthar to facilitate border trade. Ongoing coal exploration in Lunglei district and plans to establish an Experimental Regional Landslide Early Warning System were also highlighted. Infrastructure development has progressed with road formation cutting of 91 km and upgradation of 203 km by the Public Works Department, while renovation of the Lengpui Airport terminal is nearing completion at 99.20 per cent. The Thenzawl Solar Power Plant has recently been commissioned under NABARD.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), 4,000 individual household latrines and 17 community sanitary complexes have been constructed. Water supply schemes at Farkawn and Niawhtlang have been completed, and minor irrigation projects now cover over 20,000 hectares. Initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Rubber Mission and the Arecanut Festival at Rengdil have supported agricultural development. Land governance has advanced with 50 per cent geo-referencing of land parcels through drone surveys in 319 villages, and the issuance of Land Holding Certificates to 530 beneficiaries at Maumual. The Vantawng Cluster Level Federation secured first place in the Atmanirbhar Sangathan Awards 2025.

In the health sector, advanced medical equipment, including an MRI facility, has been provided to Civil Hospital, Aizawl, under the Aizawl Smart City Limited. Sports promotion received a major boost with cash awards amounting to Rs 94 lakh distributed to 218 sportspersons and officials across 15 disciplines under the Empowering Mizoram Sports (EMS) programme. Administrative reforms include the implementation of e-Office in 42 Secretariat and 25 Directorate offices, computerisation of PACS in 1,550 registered cooperative societies, and the introduction of digital crop surveys. Agricultural and allied sectors recorded 5,600 MT of fresh oil palm production, establishment of bamboo processing units under the National Bamboo Mission, plans for modern poultry farms, and the creation of a 15-tonne cold storage facility at Ngaizel.

During the celebrations, the Governor presented awards to outstanding personnel from Police, Fire & Emergency Services, and Mizoram Home Guard & Civil Defence, as well as cleanliness awards.

A) President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (Independence Day 2025):
Pu Lalringdika, Commandant, 3rd Bn MAP

B) Police Medal for Meritorious Service (Independence Day 2025):
1) Pu Stephen Lalrinawma, Sr. SP, Traffic
2) Pu TC Zothansanga, Inspector, 3rd Bn MAP
3) Pu Laldanzira, Fire Fighter
4) Pu Lalhmangaiha Colney, Fire Fighter
5) R. Pachhunga, Company Sergeant Major
6) J. Laldenga, Company Sergeant Major

C) Governor’s Gold Medal:
1) SI C. Vanlalruata, CID (SB)
2) SI Lalrinpuii Pachuau, Aizawl DEF
3) SI T. Lalthianghlima, Champhai DEF
4) ASI Lalrinngheta, Saitual DEF
5) Naik F. Lalmuankima, 1st Bn. MAP
6) Const. Zorama, 2nd IR Bn.
7) Const. Lalchhuanliana, Champhai DEF

D) Governor’s Silver Medal:
1) Inspr. Lucy Zosangzuali, Security Unit
2) Inspr. Lalrinmawia Colney, Security Unit
3) SI Zoensanga, Aizawl DEF
4) ASI H. Lalpekhlua, Saitual DEF
5) Const. Joseph L. Hmar, CID (SB)

Cleanliness Awards:
A) Urban Towns category:
1. Ngopa
2. Biate
3. Tlabung
B) District Headquarters category:
1. Siaha
2. Saitual
3. Khawzawl

The parade featured 24 contingents (6 Armed, 6 Unarmed, 12 School) along with 3 band parties. The Parade Commander was Pi Jessica Lallawmzuali, Dy. SP (Legal), and Second Commander Pu Alfred Lalrinchhana, Dy. SP (Crime).

In the Armed Category, contingents from 34 Assam Rifles, 1st Bn MAP, and 5th IR Bn secured first, second, and third positions respectively. In the Unarmed Category, Ex-Servicemen, 20 Mizo Bn NCC, and Govt. Chanmari Model Middle School Scouts & Guides took the top three spots. Among school contingents, St. Paul’s HSS, Govt. Mizo High School, and PES Republic Veng claimed the top three positions.

Following the parade at Lammual Ground, the Governor hosted an ‘At Home’ reception at Circular Lawn, Lok Bhavan, for government officials, dignitaries, and special invitees.