Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday, 3 September directed anti-corruption officials to deploy every available legal provision to detect and eliminate graft, stressing that all investigations must proceed without fear or favour. The directive came as he inaugurated a 'Training-cum-Workshop on the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988' in Aizawl, organised by the state's Vigilance Department for the Mizoram Lokayukta, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), and the Mizoram Police.

Key Directives from the Chief Minister

Addressing the gathering, Lalduhoma outlined a series of concrete steps his administration has taken to strengthen the state's anti-corruption architecture. Sanctions have been accorded for the purchase of new vehicles for the ACB, and vehicle entitlements have been extended to Lokayukta Inquiry Officers. The Chief Minister also announced the restoration of the Special Incentive Allowance for ACB personnel — a benefit that had been discontinued during the Covid-19 pandemic owing to financial constraints — and its extension to Lokayukta inquiry officers for the first time.

Necessary funds have additionally been allocated to support ongoing anti-corruption campaigns, he stated. Lalduhoma underscored that while infrastructural and material support has been substantially enhanced, the skill, wisdom, and dedication of personnel remain the decisive factor in the fight against corruption.

Powers of Inquiry Officers and Legal Framework

The Chief Minister emphasised that the law vests Inquiry Officers with extensive authority under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and that this authority must be exercised strictly within legal bounds to uncover graft and malpractice. He called for inter-departmental synergy, stating that he has directed all government departments to extend full cooperation to anti-corruption agencies.

Lalduhoma acknowledged the good work already done by the agencies but noted that several pending inquiries and cases remain, urging officials to sustain their best efforts until those are resolved.

What the Chief Secretary Said

Chief Secretary and Chief Vigilance Officer Khilli Ram Meena outlined the purpose of the workshop in his address. He noted that sharpening the skills of anti-corruption personnel would enhance their operational capabilities, enable swifter action on cases, and foster greater motivation and teamwork across agencies.

Broader Context

The workshop marks a visible acceleration of the Lalduhoma government's stated commitment to transparent governance since taking office. The restoration of the Special Incentive Allowance — suspended during the pandemic — signals an intent to rebuild institutional morale within the ACB. This comes amid broader national attention on state-level anti-corruption mechanisms, as several northeastern states have faced scrutiny over administrative accountability. With pending cases flagged publicly by the Chief Minister himself, the administration appears to be signalling that internal accountability will be as much a priority as external enforcement.