In Mizoram, State Health and Sports Minister Lalngihnglova Hmar has requested the central government to establish a 30-bed Employees State Insurance (ESI) hospital and a dedicated sports stadium in the state. The proposals were put forward during a meeting with Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held in New Delhi on Wednesday. Highlighting Mizoram’s pressing need for improved healthcare infrastructure, Hmar urged the Union Minister to consider relaxing certain procedural norms to facilitate the establishment of an ESI hospital in the state. He argued that despite the growing number of insured workers in Mizoram, the absence of a dedicated ESI hospital has been a long-standing gap in the state’s public health system. “Mizoram has seen steady economic development and increasing workforce participation. But we lack critical ESI healthcare facilities, which are vital for the wellbeing of our workers. We urge the Centre to consider our request with flexibility,” Hmar reportedly said during the meeting.
In addition to healthcare, the Minister also raised concerns about the lack of modern sports infrastructure in the state. As a sports-loving region known for its talent in football, athletics, and martial arts, Mizoram has consistently produced national and international-level athletes, but inadequate facilities have remained a barrier to further progress. Hmar specifically requested the Union Government to sanction a state-of-the-art stadium that could serve as a hub for training, competitions, and youth development programs. He emphasised that a well-equipped sports stadium would not only boost performance but also inspire greater participation among youth. Responding positively to both proposals, Union Minister Mandaviya assured Hmar that the Centre would seriously examine the feasibility of setting up an ESI hospital in Mizoram. He also conveyed that a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) may be identified to support the construction of the sports stadium, thereby accelerating infrastructure growth in the state.
According to official sources, Mandaviya appreciated Mizoram’s proactive approach in seeking central collaboration and affirmed the Centre’s commitment to promoting equitable development across the Northeastern states. He also stated that the proposals would be processed with priority in consultation with the concerned ministries and departments.
