By NE NOW NEWS
Aizawl: Mizoram’s opposition Congress on Friday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), accusing it of failing to deliver on its commitments to clean and transparent governance and systemic reforms.
Addressing a political session at the Congress Bhavan here, senior Congress vice president Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said that the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government headed by Zoramthanga was rejected by voters in the last Assembly elections in 2023 because people were dissatisfied with its handling of public funds.
The ZPM came to power in the Assembly elections after it promised transparent and accountable governance and administrative reforms, he said.
“The ZPM, however, failed to deliver on those commitments and instead continued the bad practices it had earlier criticised during the MNF government,” the former state Chief Secretary said.
He alleged that the practice of issuing tenders only after deciding who should receive contracts and the excessive use of restricted tenders have continued and even intensified under the present ZPM administration.
Chuaungo further alleged that departmental works and contracts awarded through work supervisors to favoured individuals have become increasingly common.
He also alleged that the ZPM government has attempted to weaken anti-corruption mechanisms by changing provisions related to the Mizoram Lokayukta Act and granting general consent to the CBI, issues which the Congress had previously raised.
The Congress leader further accused the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) of concentrating powers to approve all restricted tenders and major contracts, which, according to him, could create more problems than improve governance.
Highlighting Mizoram’s financial dependence on central transfers, Chuaungo said the state has benefited significantly from the Centre, receiving substantial funds every year for development.
He pointed out that Mizoram’s budget estimate for 2026–27 stands at Rs 17,496.91 crore, which is over Rs 9,458 crore higher than the Rs 8,038.39 crore estimate in 2016–17.
However, he said the state’s own revenue contribution remains limited, with only Rs 2,759.75 crore, less than 16 per cent of the total budget, expected to come from state-owned tax revenues and other internal resources.
The remaining funds are largely sourced from the state’s share of central taxes, Finance Commission allocations, central grants, and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, he said.
Claiming that Mizoram has been a major beneficiary of central tax devolution, the Congress leader said the state received the equivalent of Rs 56,000 per person from the state’s share of central taxes in 2025.
He also claimed that for every Rs 100 Mizoram contributes to the Centre in direct taxes, the state receives approximately Rs 3,583 in return, making it a major beneficiary of central transfers.
“Chief Minister and ministers are only custodians of public money. The funds entrusted to them do not belong to them and must be used fairly and according to law. They cannot be used for personal gain or to favour selected individuals,” Chuaungo said.
He claimed that the Congress party is committed to fighting corruption and establishing a government that ensures people receive their rightful benefits.
Despite repeated attempts, no leaders of the ZPM could be contacted for comments.