Mizoram Village Council Tenure Cut Short by 6 Months, Tenure to Now End on Feb 19

The move excludes Village Councils under the Chakma, Lai, and Mara Autonomous District Councils (CADC, LADC, and MADC).

The Mizoram government has shortened the terms of village councils throughout the state, excluding those within the three autonomous district councils. One of the main reasons for this change is the opposition-dominated councils’ lack of collaboration. Preparations are reportedly in full swing to hold village council elections by February next year.

The State’s Local Administration Department announced in a letter that the present village council terms had been shortened by six months, and they will now end on February 19, 2025.

The move excludes Village Councils under the Chakma, Lai, and Mara Autonomous District Councils (CADC, LADC, and MADC).

However, it has sparked strong opposition from the All Mizoram Village Council Association (AMVCA), which views the decision as undemocratic. AMVCA has criticised the move, stating it disregards the voter mandate, and plans to challenge it in court. To fund their legal battle, AMVCA members have pledged Rs 500 each towards hiring legal representation.

On the other hand, the state government justifies the decision as a financial necessity. Minister of Local Administration and Development (LAD), C. Lalsawivunga, explained that declining central financial support has constrained the state’s budget. While Mizoram received Rs 6544 crore under the 15th Finance Commission’s Post Devolution Revenue Deficit (PDRD) grant, allocations have steadily decreased. For FY 2024-25, Rs 1474 crore was allocated, dropping to Rs 1079 crore for FY 2025-26.

The minister highlighted that Mizoram is also preparing for elections to the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) and the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC), further straining state finances. Conducting Village Council elections earlier, he argued, would ensure cost efficiency amidst these fiscal challenges.

Additionally, Lalsawivunga noted that the Village Councils’ terms were extended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting the original electoral schedule. With the pandemic now largely under control, the government aims to restore the election timeline.

While the state argues for prudence, opposition from the AMVCA raises questions about the balance between financial necessity and democratic principles. The controversy is set to intensify as the matter heads to court.

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