AIZAWL/KOLASIB, June 2, 2026: Mizoram has sought greater support from the Centre to strengthen its film, media and digital infrastructure sectors, with the state government presenting a series of proposals to Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan during his two-day visit to the state. The visit highlighted Mizoram's growing ambition to position itself as a hub for creative industries, digital innovation and cultural content production in the Northeast.
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| Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan with Mizoram ministers and officials during discussions on expanding the state's film, media and digital ecosystem on June 2, 2026. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
Dr. Murugan arrived at Lengpui Airport on Tuesday and was received by Information, Public Relations, Printing & Stationery Minister B. Lalchhanzova, Information & Communication Technology Minister Dr. Vanlalthlana and senior government officials. During discussions, the state government outlined several initiatives aimed at building a stronger ecosystem for filmmakers, digital creators and media professionals.
Among the key proposals was the establishment of Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) Content Creator Labs in 200 schools and 20 colleges across Mizoram. Officials said the initiative would equip young people with industry-relevant digital skills and open new opportunities in content creation, entrepreneurship and the rapidly expanding global creative economy.
The state also sought support for specialised training programmes for Mizo filmmakers through premier institutions such as the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). The proposal comes at a time when Mizo cinema is steadily gaining recognition beyond the state, with local filmmakers increasingly participating in national and international film platforms.
Mizoram further requested assistance for expanding the annual Lemchan Film Festival, strengthening cinema theatre infrastructure across the Northeast and providing institutional support to enable Mizo filmmakers to participate in major film festivals worldwide. Industry observers believe such interventions could help transform the state's creative sector into an important contributor to employment generation, tourism promotion and cultural preservation.
Responding to the proposals, Dr. Murugan assured the state of the Centre's support and expressed interest in attending future editions of the Lemchan Film Festival. He also said efforts would be made to encourage leading filmmakers from across India to explore Mizoram as a filming destination, citing the state's scenic landscapes and unique cultural heritage.
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Later in Kolasib, the Union Minister interacted with representatives of the Young Mizo Association (YMA), Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP), the Mizoram Journalists' Association (MJA) and district officials. During the meeting, he reiterated the Centre's commitment to the development of the Northeast and highlighted improvements in connectivity, including the operationalisation of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line and the introduction of Rajdhani Express services to Mizoram. He noted that better connectivity is expected to boost tourism, trade and investment in the state.
Dr. Murugan also praised progress in sports and women empowerment while stressing the need to address school dropout rates and strengthen foundational education. He urged citizens to actively support flagship initiatives such as PM Surya Ghar and contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The visit underscored growing collaboration between Mizoram and the Centre in areas ranging from digital infrastructure and creative industries to connectivity, education and tourism, sectors increasingly seen as key drivers of the state's future economic growth.
