Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Aizawl: Mizoram officials have scrapped plans to bring 288 schools under state management. The Zoram People’s Movement government reviewed 340 schools approved by the previous Mizo National Front administration in September 2023. Only 52 institutions met the required criteria. School Education Minister Vanlalthlana stated the previous government failed to consult with the law, finance, and personnel departments before issuing the orders.
Vanlalthlana described the prior approvals as paper orders that lacked legal standing. He claimed the previous administration ignored rules regarding student enrollment and exam pass rates. The ZPM cabinet revisited the policy after taking office in December 2023. A high-level committee, including three ministers, one MLA, an education consultant, and four senior secretaries, conducted the review.
The government discussed the matter five times before finalizing the list. The cabinet approved 51 schools through this process, while the Special Blind School at Durtlang received approval despite failing to meet all requirements. Vanlalthlana also confirmed the government regularized college teachers previously recruited under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan. He criticized the former administration for attempting to regularize 1,300 teachers while struggling to pay current staff salaries.
Addressing the state’s history, Vanlalthlana reflected on the 1986 Peace Accord. He stated, "The 1986 Peace Accord was not written with ink alone. It was written with the tears of those who lost their loved ones, homes and livelihoods. This land was built with tears and blood, and today it is calling upon every citizen to serve it." He urged residents to push for a self-reliant economy.
Separately, Chief Minister Lalduhoma confirmed the ZPM will not join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Despite invitations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the party remains committed to its independent regional identity. Lalduhoma maintains the ZPM will seek cordial relations with the Centre without formalizing a national coalition tie.
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