Chief Minister Graces Mizoram Finance & Account Service Association Annual Conference

“Government officials must strive for integrity and discipline in the new administration” — Chief Minister

Aizawl : Today, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presided over the 29th Annual General Conference of the Mizoram Finance & Account Service Association (MFASA) held at the Aijal Club Conference Hall. In his address, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for integrity and discipline among government officials in the new administration.

The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation for MFASA’s contributions and extended his Christmas and New Year greetings to the gathering. He highlighted the challenges faced by the state in financial and planning matters, noting that financial mismanagement often hampers development. He stressed the importance of transparency and effective resource utilization.

Key Points from the Chief Minister’s Speech:

1. Strengthening Local Audits:
   • The state has intensified special audits to ensure better financial management at the local level.
   • The central government’s online audit mandate for local body grants has delayed fund disbursement, but efforts to address this issue have resulted in the release of ₹35 crores.
2. Legislative Accountability:
   • To improve governance, Assembly legislators are being held accountable through the General Purpose Committee, involving members from all political parties.
3. Realistic Budgeting:
   • The state is focusing on creating realistic budgets based on accurate data, moving away from politically driven projections. Departments are encouraged to adopt practical financial planning.
4. Cost Optimization:
   • The government aims to minimize unnecessary expenditures, including state matching shares for central schemes and reducing reliance on overdrafts and K-deposits.
5. Addressing Financial Bottlenecks:
   • Measures are being taken to clear pending healthcare bills, MR bills, and pension arrears. Efforts to provide rebates on power bills and streamline departmental dues are underway.
6. Encouraging Accountability:
   • The Chief Minister urged government officers to work diligently and sincerely, stressing the importance of discipline in governance.
7. Promoting Good Governance:
   • The state has implemented project monitoring systems, including dashboards for tracking progress, and is setting up a Service Review Committee. Biometric attendance is being enforced to enhance accountability.
8. Staff Welfare:
   • Welfare initiatives for staff members are being prioritized, especially for lower-ranking employees.
9. Moral and Economic Reforms:
   • The Chief Minister underscored the importance of handholding schemes that focus on moral and economic development, fostering a stronger and more disciplined workforce.
10. Commitment to Overcoming Challenges:
    • He encouraged officers to address their challenges with determination, ensuring smoother execution of their duties.

Pu Lalthansanga, MFAS Secretary to the Government of Mizoram, also addressed the conference, offering words of encouragement and support. The event was chaired by Pu Vanlalsawma, President of MFASA, who expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister’s presence and guidance.

The association welcomed 10 new members during the event, and Pu C. Lalmuanpuia, MFASA Secretary, presented the annual report. According to the Mizoram Finance & Account Service Rules, 2021, the cadre strength is 92 posts, of which 62 are currently filled, including two deputation posts and one ex-cadre post.

The conference concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Pu Laldinpuia, Vice President of MFASA. Post-lunch, members convened to discuss important matters and elect new office bearers for the association.