PRESS RELEASE

NO.48/2025 (English)

 

SIAHA, 29 April, 2025, Tuesday – At 2:00 PM today, Antar Singh Arya, Hon’ble Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), Government of India, along with Members of the Commission, visited Siaha. A felicitation programme for the Chairperson and NCST Members was held at the Chief Executive Member’s (CEM) Bungalow.

 

Addressing the gathering, Chairperson Antar Singh Arya stated, “I came here with three members of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), and I would like to extend my greetings to S. Lalremthanga, Deputy CEM, Siaha Deputy Commissioner, and everyone present today, including those who joined the event via social media.”

 

“Nirupam Chakma, Hon’ble Member of NCST, had shared many positive accounts about the Mara Autonomous District Council in Mizoram, and I am honoured and delighted to be here in Siaha on District Council Day.”

 

“To attain District Council status, many steps were taken by our nation’s former leaders. Through their selfless actions, we now enjoy the fruits of their efforts and can celebrate Council Day in their honour.”

 

“With that being said, it appears that the District Council is progressing towards development. One of its main objectives is to preserve our tradition, culture, identity, and language. The Constitution grants us the right to nurture and grow our cultural and linguistic heritage.”

 

“If we do not perform our duties sincerely and righteously, we will fall short in contributing to societal growth and development.”

 

“The District Council is undertaking commendable initiatives for the people in this region, particularly in areas such as education and employment.”

 

“NCST is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at uplifting minorities, improving their socio-economic status, and protecting their cultural and linguistic legacy.”

 

“One of NCST’s primary goals is to conduct in-depth studies of tribal communities, examining their economic conditions and languages, and to empower them with a voice. The Commission also works to ensure that other communities recognise and respect tribal traditions and cultures.”

 

“I also encourage everyone present to take active roles in the development of society and strive to excel in all areas of life.”

“I urge unity among all to further develop both formal and informal education, as well as the economic landscape of the region.”

 

“I am pleased to know that I am the first NCST Chairperson to visit the state after meeting officials in Aizawl.”

 

“The Commission is endowed with significant authority to foster development across communities and maintains connections with all political parties in the country. The current Commission was formed between 12–16 March, and its first meeting was held with the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. Each member was allotted four hours to speak during the meeting. The President directed us to visit every tribal community nationwide to assess their education, health, and economic conditions.”

 

“Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also met with us and expressed his desire to understand the living conditions of tribal communities post-independence and requested that we report our findings.”

 

“We have been planning to visit this region for quite some time. This visit was made possible due to the efforts of senior leader Shri Nirupam Chakma, who has taken several initiatives enabling us to visit Aizawl, CADC, and MADC. I served as a Cabinet Minister in Madhya Pradesh for 15 years and possess in-depth knowledge of the conditions faced by tribal communities. Although I am well-acquainted with the issues they face, as a member of a small community myself, we came here to understand the ground reality in Mizoram.”

 

“To the students here today – you are the future leaders of our nation. I urge the youth to remember that we are all Indians, born of this land.”

 

“Finally, I appeal to everyone to unite in preserving our language under the District Council and in working towards national development.”

 

Chairperson Antar Singh Arya delivered his speech in Hindi, which was translated into the Mara language by David K. Azyu, Hindi Promotion Officer, MADC.

 

Following the programme, he planted a tree sapling in the front yard of the CEM Bungalow. He also held a meeting with leaders from MADC, LADC, and various Non-Governmental Organisations at the CEM’s Bungalow Conference Hall.

 

The event commenced with a Bible reading and prayer by Rev. K. Vabeinochô, Moderator of ECM Assembly. S. Lalremthanga, Hon’ble Deputy CEM of MADC, delivered a welcome address, while VL. Hruaizela Khiangte, Deputy Commissioner of Siaha, also gave a brief speech. The audience was entertained by a musical performance from John Beizachhi Phuto.