The Mizoram government’s decision to curtail the current term of village councils (VCs) by six months has sparked backlash, with the All Mizoram Village Council Association (AMVCA) terming the move “undemocratic” and announcing plans to challenge the order in the Gauhati High Court.
The local administration department’s notification last week set February 19, 2025, as the new end date for the councils’ tenure, excluding those in autonomous district council areas. AMVCA President K Lalngaizuala stated during a conference in Aizawl that the resolution to approach the high court aims to safeguard the rights and reputation of village councils. Critics, including opposition parties, have alleged political motivations. The Congress accused the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) of curtailing the term to sideline opposition-led councils.
Defending the decision, Local Administration Minister C Lalsawivunga cited financial constraints and the need to synchronize elections following delays caused by COVID-19. The state, which received a Post-Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) grant of ₹89.91 crore per month this fiscal, faces multiple elections, including village and local councils, Lai Autonomous District Council, and Aizawl Municipal Corporation polls, by 2026.
