The Mizoram government has decided to change the location of the proposed state university from Aizawl to Lunglei. This marks a major shift in the state’s higher education plan. The decision aims to improve access to higher education in the southern part of the state, where students often travel long distances for advanced studies.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting in Aizawl. Chief Minister Lalduhoma chaired the meeting. Several ministers, legislators and senior officials attended it. According to officials, the government will bring a Bill in the next Assembly session to make the change official. The Bill will amend the Mizoram State University Act, 2025 so that the university can be set up in Lunglei instead of Aizawl.
Higher and Technical Education Minister Vanlalthlana attended the meeting. Lunglei High Powered Committee vice-chairman and MLA V. Malsawmtluanga was also present, along with two other MLAs from the district. Officials said they discussed academic programmes, infrastructure needs and timelines for the project.
The Mizoram State University Bill, 2025 was passed in the Assembly in March. The Bill was introduced to comply with the National Education Policy, 2020. The policy requires every state to set up a teaching-intensive university to manage college affiliations within 15 years of NEP’s implementation. For this reason, Mizoram started the process earlier this year.
While introducing the Bill in March, Minister Vanlalthlana had said that the university would follow a cluster model. This means several colleges and institutions will be brought under one academic system. When the Bill was passed, Aizawl was selected as the initial location.
Now, with the latest decision, Lunglei will become the centre of the state’s new higher education plans. For students and families in southern Mizoram, the shift is expected to bring more opportunities. Many people in the region feel that the move will reduce the long travel burden and help local colleges grow.
Officials say the state government is now working on drafts for the amendment Bill. Once the Assembly passes it, university project work in Lunglei is expected to begin. The government has not yet released dates for construction, courses or student intake, but officials said planning has already started.
The move is being seen as part of the government’s effort to balance development between regions. For many years, Aizawl has had most of the major educational institutions. By shifting the university to Lunglei, the government hopes to bring more growth to the southern districts as well.
Local leaders and student groups in Lunglei have welcomed the decision. Some say the new university may also bring better infrastructure, faculty positions, hostels, and employment opportunities. Residents hope the move will attract students from other districts and states in the Northeast.
