Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme Inaugurated at Mizoram University

The inaugural programme of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme was held on January 16, 2026, at the Guest House Conference Hall of Mizoram University. 

The programme was chaired by Dr. R. Lalchhanhima, Nodal Officer of the programme and Dean, Students’ Welfare, Mizoram University. After welcoming the gathering, Dr. Lalhmingliana, Faculty of Management, presented an overview of the tentative programme schedule for the next two weeks, which includes academic sessions, city visits, and rural immersion activities. 

Faculty Coordinators from Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands shared their perspectives, describing the exchange as a unique and enriching experience for students, given the distinct cultural and geographical differences between their home regions and Mizoram. The Chair then invited Mr. Midley B. M. Lyngdoh, Executive Engineer, North Eastern Council Secretariat, who was visiting Mizoram to monitor NEC-funded projects, to deliver a brief address. His speech was followed by remarks from Prof. Pravakar Rath, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Mizoram University. 

The Chief Guest, the Vice-Chancellor of Mizoram University, delivered the keynote address, welcoming the participants and providing insights into the state of Mizoram, its people, and culture. He encouraged the students to make the most of the programme, describing it as a “once- in-a-lifetime” opportunity to experience the North-East. As a mark of appreciation, the Vice- Chancellor felicitated Mr. Lyngdoh for attending the inaugural programme despite his busy schedule. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. B. Lalzarliana, Faculty of Sociology, Mizoram University. 

TOTAL FUND RELEASES DURING JANUARY, 2026 ACROSS ALL NORTHEASTERN STATES & REGIONAL AND OTHER AGENCIES 

During January, 2026, the North Eastern Council (NEC) released a total amount of

₹81,50,78,461/- (Eighty One Crore Fifty Lakhs Seventy Eight Thousand Four Hundred Sixty One) which includes releases made to the across all Northeastern States as well as to various regional and other agencies across the North Eastern Region. This reflects NEC’s continuous commitment to strengthening developmental initiatives in the North East through infrastructure development, livelihood enhancement, cultural promotion, research, and innovation.

FUND RELEASES FOR MIZORAM UNDER SCHEME OF NEC DURING JANUARY, 2026 

During January, 2026, The North Eastern Council (NEC) released a  total amount of

₹1,83,98,100/- for a number of projects including, North East Service Hub, Fostering Industry Innovation Infrastructure and Livelihood Opportunities (SDG No. 9) at Lyngleng-I and Sialhawk, Mizoram and Strengthening of Food Testing Laboratory etc.

FUND RELEASE & ACTIVITIES OF CENTRAL/REGIONAL / OTHER AGENCIES (PROJECT & NON-PROJECT) DURING JANUARY, 2026 

In addition to state-specific releases, NEC also disbursed a total amount of ₹32,59,10,251/-

(Rupees Thirty Two Crore Fifty Nine Lakhs Ten Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty One only) to Central, Regional and Other Agencies (including Educational Institutions & Cultural Organizations) during the month. 

Major project interventions implemented by Central & Regional Agencies for which funds are released during January includes: – 

The Community Development Programme of Koireng Tribe in Manipur (Establishment of Resources Centre for Study of Linguistic Art & Culture for Koireng Tribe), 

Promotion of Cane and Bamboo production through market intelligence: an design intervention in Mizoram and Nagaland,

Construction of School Building Hostel and Science Lab in Mizoram, Assam and Manipur,

Construction of Boys Hostel and School at Building at Khongong of Wapung Village, East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya,

Establishment of Kiwi Orchard in the North Eastern Region of India,

Construction of School Building at Vivekananda Tripureswari Vidya Mandir at Unakoti, Tripura,

Construction of College at Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur,

Constuction of Multipurpose Hall cum Badminton Hall & Futsal Playground at Saikot, Churachandpur, Manipur

Development of Playground at Pilangkata-Maikhuli, Ri-bhoi, Meghalaya,

Construction of Community Centre for Musical Cultural and Skill development at Krishnanagar, Agartala, Tripura,

Construction of Vivekananda School at Haflong Dima Hasao, Assam, Promotion of Tourism in Manipur and Mizoram,

Tourist Circuit Development in Senapati District, Manipur,

Establishment of Bamboo Tissue Culture Unit,

Construction of Multipurpose Convention Centre and Space Exhibition facility at NESAC,

Setting up of Scientific Pig Breeding units in the North East India, Phase-II,

Development of Integrated Tea Tourism in Tamenglong District, Manipur,

Setting up of Bamboo Primary Centre in the selected potential Areas in the NER,

Setting up of North East Ashtalaxmi Haat and Experience Centre for Facilitating Market Linkage for the Handicrafts and Handloom Artisans and Weavers from the North Eastern Region,

Development of Multi-Disciplinary Training cum Resource Centre, Shillong,

Mithun Conservation and Breeding Centre in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur,

Multipurpose herbal extraction unit at Mao, Senapati district, Manipur,

Setting up of Bamboo Vacuum Pressure Impregnation Treatment Plant in NE States. 

Non-project activities comprised a wide spectrum of International, National, Regional & State level Seminars, Cultural festivals, youth exchanges, technology and innovation events, academic and linguistic workshops, and studies on sustainable development. 

Key events during the month included Multi Agri-Horti Activities in Manipur and Meghalaya, Two Day International Sustainable Summit, 2025 based on the theme “Promoting Sustainable Development through Innovation, Conservation and Inclusive Growth in North East India”, Promotion of Commercial Bamboo Plantation in the North East India, Recent Trends in Biological Sciences in NE India, First Think India Northeast Summit (TINES-2025), Eagle Nest 

Bird Festival at West Kameng District (Arunachal Pradesh), Sikpui Roui (Hmar Festival) (Mizoram), Darlong Tharlak Kut, Ranglong Khohui Festival, etc. 

These initiatives were implemented through key institutions and agencies, including the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Society (NERCRMS), North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi), North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd. (NEHHDC), North East Cane and Bamboo Development Centre (NECBDC), Universities, NITs, IITs, Cultural Organizations, etc. 

COMPLETED PROJECT(S) DURING JANUARY, 2026 

NEC Completes Saiha–Lungbun–Tluangnuam–Haka Road Project in Mizoram under NESIDS (Roads) 

The North Eastern Council has successfully completed a major road infrastructure project titled “Upgradation and Improvement of Saiha–Lungbun–Tluangnuam–Haka Road (Lungbun to River Kolodyne), Mizoram under NESIDS (Roads)” at a total cost of ₹45.15 crore. 

The project covers a road length of 13 km and benefits seven villages with an estimated population of about 17,500. The road passes through Lungbun village in Saiha district, including certain built-up stretches, and significantly improves connectivity in this remote region. 

The primary objective of the project is to enhance international border connectivity with Myanmar in Siaha district of southern Mizoram. In addition to strengthening strategic connectivity, the road is expected to substantially improve the socio-economic conditions of people living in this underdeveloped border area. 

The project stands as a significant step towards inclusive development, improved mobility, and enhanced economic opportunities in one of Mizoram’s most remote border regions.