Establishment of MADC
The Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) is situated in the southern part of Mizoram, bordering Myanmar. 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. The MADC administers an area of 1,445 square kilometres and exercises jurisdiction over land administration, justice, and certain legislative and local matters. It is one of the three Autonomous District Councils in Mizoram.
Information and Publicity Department
Information and Publicity Department (I&P Deptt.) was established under the Mara Autonomous District Council (Allocation and Business Rules), 2011. Initially, due to a shortage of officers, the department was managed by the Head of Department (HoD) from another department.
S. Vabeihasa served as the first Information and Publicity Officer (I&PO) from March 29, 2010, to March 5, 2018. Following this, Beirokhu Beita, Assistant and Information Technology Officer (AITO), was appointed as officiating officer from July 6, 2018, to July 6, 2018. S. Rakhai, a senior grade officer, was appointed as the I&PO from July 6, 2018, to March 7, 2019. Currently, Beirokhu Beita holds the position of I&PO since March 7, 2019, and continues to serve in this capacity. The I&PO also oversees the MADC's Information Technology (IT) wing.
I&P Deptt. Allocation of Business
1. News, Newspapers, and Periodicals
2. Publications and Publicity
3. Advertisements
4. Public Relations and Mass Communication
5. Coordination with AIR and DDK
6. Implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005
7. Publication of Calendars and Folder
I&P Department Responsibilities
The I&P Department is responsible for managing a wide range of projects in accordance with established business rules and oversees numerous operational tasks. It plays a crucial role in coordinating with all departments within the Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) and ensures that MADC's news content in media platforms are accurate and timely.
The department is involved in creating, producing, and distributing various publications and handles publicity efforts aimed at enhancing the visibility and reputation of MADC. Additionally, it is tasked with developing, placing, and managing advertising campaigns across multiple media platforms to effectively inform and promote MADC initiatives.
I&P Department also handles public relations and mass communication duties, including drafting press releases and implementing strategies to uphold a positive public image. It works closely with local journalists, All India Radio (AIR), and Doordarshan Kendra (DDK) to facilitate broadcast communications and maintain consistent messaging.
Moreover, the department is responsible for managing the design, production, and distribution of calendars and informational folders that highlight MADC’s activities and services.
The administration of the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005, however, necessitates a senior-grade officer. Consequently, the role of State Public Information Officer (SPIO) is handled by a separate department, where it is overseen by a senior officer.
The IT wing, on the other hand, manages the MADC website and oversees the MADC NIELIT Study Centre, which has enrolled 270 students since its inception in 2023. This wing is also responsible for the maintenance and management of digital equipment within the offices.
I&P Department Officers and Staff (as on 12 September, 2024)
The department currently employs eleven (11) officers and staff:
1. Shri Beirokhu Beita, Information and Publicity Officer (I&PO)
2. Shri Colin C. Ngohai, Information Technology Officer (ITO)
3. Shri Pawsa Lava, Assistant Information Technology Officer (AITO)
4. Shri L. Khai-u, Upper Division Clerk (UDC)
5. Smt. Melody Zothanzuali, Upper Division Clerk (UDC)
6. Shri T. Pabua, Cameraman (Grade IV)
7. Shri K. Beimokhai, Computer Operator (Grade IV)
8. Smt. Angela Notlia, Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
9. Shri Martin L. Hlychho, Cameraman
10. Shri K. Nehemia, IV Grade
11. Shri L. Beisalai, IV Grade
12. Shri Ryuhmo Chozah, Falculty Member (Wages)