Opposition Walks Out of Mizoram Assembly Over Controversial Youth Commission Bill

Tensions escalated in the Mizoram Assembly on Monday when the opposition staged a walkout in protest against the Mizoram Youth Commission (MYC) Bill, 2025. The walkout came after Chief Minister Lalduhoma made comments that the opposition found insulting to former legislators and members of the House, sparking a heated exchange during the resumed budget session following a nine-day recess.

The MYC Bill, introduced by Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, seeks to revamp the Mizoram Youth Commission with a more transparent and organized structure. However, the Chief Minister’s remarks criticizing the previous MYC Act, passed under the Mizo National Front (MNF) government, ignited controversy. Lalduhoma accused the earlier law of lacking clear recruitment procedures and financial oversight, calling it a flawed system prone to unchecked spending.

Opposition Leader Lalchhandama Ralte strongly objected to these comments, pointing out that Lalduhoma had been involved in passing the previous law and arguing that his remarks undermined the dignity of the legislative body. Congress MLA C. Ngunlianchunga also questioned the need to repeal the old law, pointing out that 70% of its provisions were retained in the new bill.

In defense, Lalduhoma explained that his government was committed to rectifying outdated laws and improving governance, criticizing previous administrations for their inaction over the past 16 years. He emphasized the importance of regulatory measures to prevent unregulated recruitment and spending. Despite this, Ralte declared that his party could not support the bill due to the Chief Minister’s disrespectful comments about past leaders and led his party members in walking out of the session.

Despite the opposition’s absence, the Assembly went on to pass three bills on Monday, including the Mizoram Youth Commission Bill, 2025. Additionally, the Mizoram Goods and Services Tax (First Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed without debate, while the Mizoram Private Placement Agencies (Regulation) Bill, 2025 was passed in the absence of the opposition.

Earlier in the day, Lalduhoma also addressed concerns regarding proxy employees, announcing that the state government had stopped keeping records of proxy workers in various departments. He warned that strict actions would be taken against both employees and supervising officers if any proxy employment was discovered. He also introduced the formation of a Service Review Committee, which will offer a voluntary retirement scheme for employees unable to continue their duties, ensuring that they retire with dignity.