Social Welfare Minister Pi Lalrinpuii Visits Onyx Special School and Girls’ Hostel Managed by Lunglei Sub-Headquarters MHIP

Lunglei, Aug 2025: Today, Mizoram’s Minister for Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Pi Lalrinpuii, visited the Onyx Special School and Girls’ Hostel at Lunglei Chanmari, institutions managed by the Lunglei Sub-Headquarters of MHIP (Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl), to review their functioning and interact with students and staff.

The Minister was accompanied by LMC Ward-4 Councillor Pu R. Lalramzauva, Private Secretary Pu H. Lalhruaitluanga, DIPRO Pu C. Lalhruaitluanga, and other officials. The MHIP Sub-Headquarters President, Dr. H. Lalnunmawii, along with MHIP leaders and staff, welcomed the Minister and her team. After touring the school and hostel facilities, a short interaction programme was also held.

In her address, Minister Pi Lalrinpuii highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives for the welfare of differently-abled persons, noting that the special school, started by MHIP in 2003, stands as a remarkable contribution to society. She emphasized that Onyx Special School not only provides education and joy to children with disabilities but also offers immense emotional relief to their families, making it a highly valuable institution. The Minister urged that their needs—whether through government support or CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives—must be met without delay. To demonstrate her personal support, she also contributed ₹1,000 towards the school’s fund through MHIP.

The Minister further remarked on the many challenges faced by Mizoram, stressing the importance of collective efforts in awareness, support systems, and inclusive opportunities for vulnerable sections of society. She expressed confidence that MHIP would continue to play a vital role in complementing government efforts to reach those most in need.

Speaking on healthcare, she informed the gathering that under the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS), the government has been fully covering hospital bills from April 1, 2025, without leaving behind even a single unpaid bill. She added that citizens are keen to ensure their enrolment before the final cut-off date in August this year, so that every household can benefit from the scheme. She also mentioned that private hospitals in the state have fully come on board under MUHCS, ensuring broader coverage.

During the programme, reports on the functioning of the school were presented, followed by a short cultural performance by the students of Onyx Special School.

The Onyx Special School, established in 2003, currently has 33 enrolled students. Apart from academic learning, the children are trained in music, arts, crafts, and various life skills, and they regularly participate in awareness programmes related to disability inclusion. The school also receives mid-day meals support under the Samagra Shiksha scheme.

The MHIP Girls’ Hostel, started on April 1, 2008, provides affordable accommodation for girls studying or working in Lunglei. With a capacity of about 40 seats, hostellers pay only ₹3,500 per month without any admission fee. At present, 18 girls are staying in the hostel.