School Education Minister Inaugurates New Mbse Building, Launches Class 12 Science Textbooks In Mizo Language

Aizawl – Dr. Vanlalthlana, Minister of School Education, officially inaugurated the newly constructed Mizoram Board of School Education (MBSE) building today. During the event, he also launched the Mizo-language versions of the Class 12 Science textbooks: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.

Dr. Vanlalthlana expressed his appreciation for the successful completion of the new MBSE building, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of MBSE staff, PWD Project Division personnel, and the contractor. He emphasized the alignment of the newly introduced Mizo-language textbooks with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates education in the mother tongue, especially in foundational and technical subjects. He stated that this initiative would promote academic advancement and inclusivity in Mizoram.

The Minister highlighted the importance of fair and comprehensive assessments, referencing the Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH) initiative under NCERT. He noted the state’s efforts to enhance the quality of education while aligning with national standards, such as NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) for higher institutions. He also shared that Mizoram’s innovative approach had been recognized at the national level, including by NITI Aayog.

He stressed the importance of continuous teacher training, stating that training must reach even the most remote educators to ensure effective implementation of the syllabus. He pointed out that even the best textbooks are ineffective if question setting does not reflect learning objectives, which hinders students from achieving meaningful understanding. He urged School Education Department staff to continue striving for improvement.

Dr. Vanlalthlana also underlined the importance of learning both Mizo and other languages, noting that promoting one’s mother tongue should not come at the cost of excluding others. He affirmed that producing textbooks in Mizo not only supports academic progress but also reinforces cultural identity and preservation.

MLA Pu T. Lalhlimpuia, in his address, emphasized the importance of identifying what is essential and worthwhile for society. He said that education is the foundation of success and must be focused, avoiding unnecessary distractions. He added that knowledge and skills are valuable tools for both national development and cultural preservation.

Pu David Lalthantluanga, Special Secretary, School Education Department, noted that Mizoram’s schools are being assessed under the State School Standard Assessment (SSSA) framework in line with NEP 2020. He stressed the importance of aligning educational strategies with national exams such as NEET and JEE, based on the performance of Mizo students in recent years.

The inauguration and textbook launch event was chaired by Pu J.H. Zoremthanga, Chairman of MBSE. Pi Sarah Lalengzami Pachuau, Secretary of MBSE, gave an overview of various MBSE initiatives. Reports were also presented by Er. Lalremruata, Senior Executive Engineer, Project Division III (MPWD), and Pu R. Lalthlamuana, Deputy Secretary of MBSE. A vote of thanks was delivered by Pu Lalrinmawia Ralte, Controller of Examinations, MBSE.

According to the technical report presented, the new MBSE building was constructed under the NEDP Scheme at a cost of ₹1,000 lakhs (₹10 crore). Construction began on February 18, 2021, and was completed by December 14, 2024. The building was formally handed over to MBSE on April 22, 2025. The 7-storey building includes modern facilities such as dedicated workspaces, a Record Room, Library-cum-Research Room, Tabulation & Evaluation Hall, Strong Room, Store Room, Conference Hall, and an elevator with a capacity of 30 persons.

MBSE has been a frontrunner in producing Science and Mathematics textbooks in Mizo. The Class 10 textbooks were published on November 30, 2022, followed by Class 9 textbooks on February 6, 2023. These books are published under MBSE copyright and were translated accordingly. However, Class 11 and 12 books were developed directly by Mizo textbook writers using reference materials, due to copyright restrictions. The Class 11 Science textbooks were released on June 28, 2024, and the Class 12 books have now been printed with 700 copies each:

• Physics: 493 pages, ₹300
• Chemistry: 550 pages, ₹350
• Biology: 331 pages, ₹250
• Mathematics: 329 pages, ₹250

This initiative marks a significant step toward promoting education in the mother tongue while equipping students with the knowledge necessary for competitive academic environments.