Mizoram tourism staff back official's reappointment amid student protests

Aizawl: The Mizoram Tourism Service Association has officially backed the state government's decision to re-engage R Lalrodingi as the director of the tourism department. This support follows protests by the Mizo Zirlai Pawl, a major student organization that accused the government of showing favoritism toward the retired official.

The association expressed frustration with the student group for allegedly blocking employees from entering the Directorate of Tourism and disrupting operations. Staff members maintained that the government sought this arrangement to address current administrative difficulties, emphasizing that the appointment is a temporary measure because no other eligible officers are currently available.

Regarding concerns about career progression, the association explained that the director post is filled through promotion based on qualifying service rather than direct recruitment. They noted that the role requires specialized skills in tourism and hospitality, and Lalrodingi's reappointment does not block promotion opportunities for other qualified staff.

Lalrodingi retired from the Commerce and Industries department in April. She was initially re-employed in May to serve as both the tourism director and an officer on special duty to the chief minister. While the government briefly cancelled her tourism director role following student pressure, they reinstated her duties on May 22. The association defended the move by pointing to the common practice of retaining experienced retired personnel to handle specific public initiatives.