28/05/2026
| R. Lalrodingi Resigns as Tourism Director Amid Intensifying MZP Agitation
Aizawl, May 28:
R. Lalrodingi has resigned from the post of Director of Tourism following mounting protests led by the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) against her re-employment after retirement. Chief Minister Lalduhoma reportedly accepted her resignation on the same day, marking a significant development in the controversy that has sparked widespread debate across Mizoram.
The issue escalated on Monday when members of the influential student organisation staged a day-long gherao outside the Directorate of Tourism office in Aizawl. Protesters prevented the Director and departmental staff from entering the office premises, effectively paralysing normal functioning of the department throughout the day. Police officials confirmed that the agitation remained peaceful before protesters dispersed in the afternoon after no officials reported for duty.
The controversy began after the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DP&AR) issued an order on April 24 appointing Lalrodingi—who retired on April 30 as Additional Director under the Commerce & Industries Department and the Geology & Mining Department—as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister with additional charge as Director of Tourism from May 1 onward.
The appointment immediately drew criticism from the MZP, which argued that assigning a key departmental post to a retired official undermined serving officers awaiting promotion and reduced employment opportunities for qualified youths.
Following discussions between MZP leaders and Chief Minister Lalduhoma on May 13, the government revised the order on May 15, removing Lalrodingi’s additional responsibility as Tourism Director while allowing her to continue as OSD to the Chief Minister. However, tensions resurfaced after another notification issued on May 22 reinstated her as Director of Tourism “with immediate effect and until further orders.”
Reacting strongly to the government’s reversal, MZP president C. Lalremruata accused the Chief Minister of going back on assurances reportedly made during earlier discussions. He stated that while the student body had no objection to Lalrodingi’s appointment as OSD—which it described as a political post—it firmly opposed her continuation as Tourism Director.
The MZP reiterated its long-standing stand against the re-employment of retired officials, maintaining that such practices negatively affect the career progression of serving employees and limit opportunities for educated unemployed youths in the state. The organisation also warned that democratic forms of protest would intensify if the order was not withdrawn.
Meanwhile, the state government defended the temporary arrangement. Health Minister Lalrinpuii stated that Lalrodingi’s expertise and administrative experience were urgently required in the Tourism Department. According to the minister, Lalrodingi had previously worked with the North Eastern Council (NEC) on tourism-related matters and had played a key role in securing central funding and implementing several tourism initiatives in Mizoram.
The minister further noted that no eligible officer within the department was immediately available to assume charge of the Director’s post after Lalrodingi’s retirement. She described the reappointment as a practical interim measure, adding that Lalrodingi was retained on a monthly remuneration of ₹35,000 to ensure continuity of ongoing tourism projects.
In her resignation letter, Lalrodingi reportedly appealed that the post of Tourism Director should continue to remain reserved for officers belonging to the Tourism Department. Her resignation is being viewed as a major turning point in the ongoing dispute between the government and the student body.
