During its four-day visit to Mizoram, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) met separately with the chief minister and governor on Thursday to examine the developmental programs and protections for tribal people in the northeastern state, according to officials. Under the direction of its Chairperson Antar Singh Arya, the NCST also travelled to different areas to investigate the welfare and development needs of the tribal people, who make up 94.45% of Mizoram’s 1.2 million inhabitants.
The NCST Chairperson urged farmers to abandon jhum cultivation and propose a pilot project for alternative methods. Mizoram Governor General Vijay Kumar Singh praised the NCST for its proactive efforts in assessing the conditions of Scheduled Tribes in the state. The NCST delegation discussed issues they identified for the state’s progress. Chief Minister Lalduhoma appreciated the NCST’s visit and expressed support for the Mizoram government’s initiatives.
NCST Chairperson Antar Singh Arya emphasized the need to popularize Hindi in the state and urged the state administration to take steps. He emphasized the main objective of NCST is the development of tribals in all walks of life. Arya praised past leaders for creating the Autonomous District Council, which preserves Mara tribal culture.
