PRESS RELEASE
No.
19/2025-2026
NCST
Full Commission Graces 53rd CADC Day
Kamalanagar,
29 April 2025: The full Commission of the National Commission for
Scheduled Tribes (NCST), Government of India, visited the Chakma Autonomous
District Council today, adding special significance to the celebration of the
Council’s 53rd Day. This marks the first-ever visit of the full NCST Commission
to the CADC.
The NCST delegation, led by Hon’ble Chairperson Shri Antar Singh Arya, comprised Hon’ble Members Shri Nirupam Chakma, Shri Jatothu Hussain, and Smt. Asha Lakra. Upon arrival at Kamalanagar, the delegation was accorded a warm and traditional welcome, featuring Chakma cultural performances and customary hospitality.
The 53rd CADC Day celebration commenced in the morning at the CADC Secretariat Complex with a ceremonial programme. Dg. Molin Kumar Chakma, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member, hoisted the Indian National Flag alongside the CADC Flag in the presence of Council Members, former leaders, and officials. Floral tributes were offered in honour of the visionary leaders who spearheaded the autonomy movement of the Chakmas in Mizoram.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “Youth Empowerment,” under which a special Yuva Samvad (Dialogue with the Youth) session was organised. The session witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Chairperson Shri Antar Singh Arya remarked, “Today is not only a historic day for the Chakma community but also a moment that reflects the victory of our cultural, social, and political struggles.”
He further stated, “The NCST remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the rights of tribal communities and advancing their welfare. As a Commission, we stand with you to ensure your voice is heard at the highest levels and that appropriate measures are taken to promote cultural, economic, and social development.” He added that the concerns of the Chakma community have been incorporated into the NCST’s Annual Report submitted to the Hon’ble President of India for consideration by the Union Government.
In a
remarkable announcement, Shri Antar Singh Arya offered a promising opportunity
for Chakma youths. He informed that the NCST has decided to sponsor 50 Chakma
youths (25 boys and 25 girls) for a one-year training programme in merchant
naval course during the current academic session, with assured placement upon
successful completion. Discussions have already been held with the National
Shipping Corporation in this regard. He assured that the programme would
continue annually, with a long-term target of benefiting up to 500 Chakma
youths under the initiative.
On behalf of the CADC, Dg. Molin Kumar Chakma submitted a memorandum to the NCST delegation, outlining the major developmental priorities of the region. The demands included improvement of road connectivity, establishment of educational institutions, and enhancement of healthcare infrastructure. The Hon’ble Chairperson assured that the NCST would actively take up the matters with the concerned authorities.
The Chakma Autonomous District Council was formed on 29th April 1972 through the trifurcation of the erstwhile Pawi-Lakher Regional Council (PLRC). It was created under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India to safeguard and promote the unique ethnic and cultural identity of the Chakmas of Mizoram. However, a significant section of the Chakma population residing in the northwestern region of the state still remains outside its jurisdiction.
Published by: Information & Public Relations Department, Chakma Autonomous District Council.
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