Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Meets UD&PA Officials

November : Shri Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, held a meeting with officials from the Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) Department at the Conference Hall of the Planning and Programme Implementation (P&PI) office, Government of Mizoram. The discussions covered progress and challenges in urban development and housing initiatives for the urban poor under PMAY-U, AMRUT, DAY-NULM, SBM-U, as well as ongoing projects under Aizawl Smart City Ltd.

During the meeting, Shri Sahu emphasized the central government’s commitment to developing all regions inclusively. He urged the timely completion of Aizawl Smart City Ltd. projects by March 31, 2025, for the benefit of residents and stressed the importance of strong branding and public engagement.

He also advised officials responsible for urban master planning to create sustainable, long-term strategies with at least a 20-year outlook. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, he encouraged continuous efforts to foster behavioral changes supporting IHHL (Individual Household Latrines). Shri Sahu further noted that construction under PMAY(U) should proceed uninterrupted by funding delays, stressing the need for high-quality work and strict adherence to anti-corruption measures.

Accompanying him, Shri K. Sapdanga, UD&PA Minister of Mizoram, expressed gratitude for the minister’s visit despite his busy schedule. Shri Sapdanga requested Shri Sahu’s intervention in addressing the challenges UD&PA faces, including issues from Cyclone Remal and Mizoram’s challenging terrain. He also requested flexibility in releasing pending funds. He briefed the Minister that 28 of 49 Aizawl Smart City projects are complete, 12 are on track to finish by March 31, 2025, and the remaining 5 will conclude soon after.

Shri CC Lalchhuangkima, CEO of Aizawl Smart City Ltd., and Dr. Andrew Vanlaldika, Director of UD&PA, presented project updates. The meeting was moderated by Smt. Zarzokimi, Joint Secretary of UD&PA, with other officials in attendance, including Shri MB Singh, PS to the Minister of State, and Shri Joseph H. Lalramsanga, Municipal Commissioner of Aizawl.