Reported by Henry L Khojol
Aizwal: The Mizoram Tourism Service Association (MTSA), representing officers and staff of the state tourism department, has extended strong support to the government’s decision to reappoint retired officer R. Lalrodingi as Director of Tourism.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the association expressed concern over protests by a student organisation, which has allegedly blocked entry of officials and staff to the Directorate of Tourism, bringing routine administrative work to a halt.
The MTSA said the government acted in view of operational difficulties in the department and welcomed the May 22 order allowing Lalrodingi currently serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister to hold additional charge as Tourism Director.
Addressing what it described as “misinformation,” the association clarified that her appointment would not affect promotion prospects of serving officers such as joint directors, nor limit opportunities for qualified candidates in the department. It further stated that the post of Director is not filled through direct recruitment but is a promotional position within the departmental hierarchy, requiring completion of prescribed service eligibility.
According to the statement, only candidates with specialisation in Tourism and Hospitality are eligible for feeder cadre posts.
Lalrodingi, who retired as Additional Director in the Commerce and Industries Department on April 30, was initially re-engaged by the government to serve both as OSD to the Chief Minister and as Tourism Director from May 1, based on an April 24 order.
However, the government later revoked the decision on May 15 following a meeting between the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) and Chief Minister Lalduhoma. She was then retained only as OSD. The order was again revised on May 22, restoring her additional charge as Tourism Director.
The MTSA maintained that the assignment does not constitute a promotion, noting that the pay level of the Additional Director post in Commerce and Industries is equivalent to that of the Tourism Director.
It also highlighted that Lalrodingi has been handling dual responsibilities since February 9, 2024, after the post fell vacant, and described the current arrangement as a continuation of a stop-gap measure due to a shortage of eligible officers.
The association further pointed to her extensive experience in the tourism sector, including over five years of work with tourism programmes in the Northeast under the North Eastern Council (NEC), stating that her expertise remains valuable for ongoing departmental initiatives.
Defending the practice, MTSA said both the Centre and state governments routinely re-engage retired officials when required in public interest.
Meanwhile, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), a prominent student body in Mizoram, has strongly opposed the reappointment and has been staging protests in Aizawl, blocking access to the tourism office since Monday.
The organisation argues that such re-employment restricts promotional avenues for serving officials and reduces job opportunities for educated youth. It has also accused the Chief Minister of failing to uphold earlier assurances regarding the decision.
MZP general secretary Lalhmingsanga Chhangte stated that the agitation would be intensified until the government withdraws the reappointment order.