Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC), Siaha, Government of Mizoram, India

Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) is an Autonomous District Council (ADC) in Mizoram state of Union India. Established on May 29, 1971, under Articles 244(2) and 275(1) of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, the council was formed following the division of the Pawi-Lakher Regional Council into two distinct councils: the MADC and the LADC. Initially known as the Lakher Autonomous District Council, it was renamed Mara Autonomous District Council in 1988.

MADC administers an area of 1,445.00 square kilometres and exercises jurisdiction over land administration, justice, and certain legislative and local matters. MADC is one of the three Autonomous District Councils in Mizoram.

The last general election of the Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) took place in May 2022. The results were fragmented, with the Indian National Congress (INC) winning 4 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing 12 seats, and the Mizo National Front (MNF) claiming 9 seats. No party achieved a majority, leading to the formation of a coalition government between the INC and MNF. Shri H. Malvina from the 02-Phura Constituency was appointed Chief Executive Member (CEM), while veteran politician Shri N. Viakhu from the 21-Siaha South-II Constituency was named Chairman.

On November 25, 2022, the opposition succeeded in passing a no-confidence motion against the government during the final and third day of winter session. Subsequently, a new administration was formed, consisting of 12 BJP members and 3 MNF members. Shri M. Laikaw from the 01-Pala Constituency was sworn in as the new CEM on December 22, 2023, with Shri N. Viakhu continuing in his role as Chairman.

Executive Committee

Established under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution of India, the Executive Committee of the Mara Autonomous District Council performs duties comparable to those of a state cabinet.

The Chief Executive Member (CEM) heads the Executive Committee. The CEM is elected by a majority vote of the Council members during a session, and this election must be approved by the Governor of the State.

Following this, the Chief Executive Member appoints other members to the Executive Committee from among the Council members. The Executive Committee remains in office as long as it retains the majority support of the Council.

Legislative Secretariat

The Council convenes a session once every four months on a regular basis. During these sessions, the Members of District Council (MDC) approved the Annual Budget of the Autonomous District Council through a majority vote.

Additionally, the Council is responsible for legislating and enacting laws and regulations within the powers granted by the Sixth Schedule. Once bills are passed by the Council, they are submitted to the Governor of the State for approval or assent.

To manage the Legislative Secretariat, the Council elects a Chairman and Deputy Chairman, whose roles are similar to that of a Speaker and Deputy Speaker of a State Legislature in India. The Secretariat is administered by officers and staff, overseen by the Secretary to the District Council’s Legislative.

In summary, the Legislative Secretariat handles the administrative aspects related to the legislative functions of the Mara Autonomous District Council.

Chairman – Puhpa N. Viakhu
Deputy Chairman – Puhpa C. Chehnei

Judiciary

Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Sixth Schedule to the Indian Constitution outline the administration of justice in autonomous areas.

According to these provisions, the Autonomous District Councils have the authority to constitute courts for trial, to handle cases involving parties belonging to Scheduled Tribe communities.

MADC's District Council Court consists of qualified judicial officers -Judges and Magistrates, appointed by the Executive Committee with the Governor's approval under The Lakher Autonomous District (Administration of Justice) Rules, 1981.

Paragraph 5 of the Sixth Schedule to the Indian Constitution provides conferment of powers on the District Council Courts suits or cases under the Civil Procedure Code and The Code of Criminal Procedure and these Courts have been exercising judicial authority, which have been of great service to the people, where delivery of justice is concerned.