India’s Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, visited Mizoram on 15–16 September 2026 to hold district-level review meetings in Saitual and Kolasib. The meetings examined how federal government programmes are reaching local communities, with particular attention to youth engagement, sports infrastructure, agriculture and substance-abuse prevention.
What was discussed
In Saitual, officials and sports representatives discussed how to strengthen anti-drug efforts through the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, a national substance-abuse prevention initiative. The Minister stressed the need for coordination between youth groups, community organisations and police. The meeting also reviewed agricultural potential, particularly ways to help local farmers access wider markets for organic produce, and examined gaps in sports coaching and athlete support systems. The Khelo India Scheme was highlighted as a tool for expanding grassroots sports opportunities.
In Kolasib, the focus shifted to road connectivity as a priority for market access and essential services. Healthcare infrastructure was reviewed, including the district’s Community Health Centre and five Primary Health Centres. Agriculture received significant attention: the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) currently provides technical guidance to over 5,000 farmers out of more than 10,000 active growers in the district. The meeting also covered 102 functioning agricultural cooperatives and the Janaushadhi Kendra, a government medicine outlet.
The Minister reviewed the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) in Kolasib, directing officials to resolve technical issues with the application portal and expedite support for 25 identified businesses, including furniture workshops and mineral-water units. Football, hockey and wrestling were identified as prominent sports in the district, with discussion of a need for dedicated training centres. The VB-GRAM-G initiative is developing sports grounds across 51 villages. Approximately 9,000 young people are registered on the MY Bharat civic engagement platform in Kolasib.
What this means for you
If you live in Saitual or Kolasib and are interested in sports, you may see new or improved training facilities and coaching support in your area. If you farm or run a small business, schemes like PMEGP and the KVK may offer technical help and market connections. If you are a young person, initiatives around substance-abuse prevention and the MY Bharat platform aim to create engagement opportunities in your community.