Mizoram Social Welfare Minister attends inaugural function of Jordan Centre, Sthawn

Mizoram Social Welfare Minister attends inaugural function of Jordan Centre, Sthawn

Kolasib, October 6, 2026: An inauguration and dedication service for the Jordan Centre—a rehabilitation centre for substance abusers in Sethawn—was held this afternoon. The service was chaired by Rev. Dr. K. Lallawmzuala, Executive Secretary i/c Synod Social Front. Lalrinpuii, Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Department, attended the event as the Chief Guest. Mizoram Synod Moderator Rev. John Raldosanga dedicated the centre to God and delivered an address.

The Chief Guest, Social Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii, stated that the Jordan Centre is something she cares deeply about and has continually prayed for along with her husband. She shared that ever since she became Minister while the centre was still under government administration, she discreetly looked for capable and trustworthy caretakers, holding consultations with Synod leadership; personally, she strongly desired that the Synod take over its management. "The government alone cannot manage such facilities effectively; it requires the church to care for them with Christian love. The Synod has managed excellent rescue homes in the past, and I fully expect this will be a success as well," she said. She added that although the memorandum of agreement is currently set for 15 years, she hopes it will continue beyond that, assuring that the government will not neglect it.

The Minister expressed comfort in noting that local residents from Kolasib and surrounding areas are included in the centre's Management Committee. She highlighted ongoing efforts to collaborate with the general public, churches, and civil society organizations, noting that joint initiatives with the LESDE (Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship) Department are being considered to provide vocational skill training for inmates.

The Minister expressed regret that Mizoram ranks the highest in India for substance abuse prevalence. "Satan is attacking us to bring down Mizoram from our Christian faith. Churches are the foremost weapon against drugs, with the government and NGOs acting as key supporters and partners," she stated. Highlighting the extensive smuggling of narcotics due to sharing over 500 km of border with Myanmar (part of the Golden Triangle), she affirmed that the government is making every effort to counter it. Since supply reduction (seizures) alone is no longer enough, the Social Welfare Department is actively pursuing demand reduction strategies. She also urged pharmacy owners to sell medicines strictly within license regulations, warning that licenses will be cancelled for any shops selling illicit or unprescribed drugs.

Following the dedication, Mizoram Synod Moderator Rev. John Raldosanga delivered a message. He noted that the Synod had dedicated extensive thought and effort to this facility. "We are very grateful that the Government of Mizoram has placed its trust in the Synod to rescue those in need. In keeping with that trust, we will do our utmost to make this successful through faith in God," he said. He added that beyond de-addiction, aftercare training will be organized, which he hopes will be fruitful. He mentioned that the Jordan Centre will be the third rescue home run by the Synod, and noted that financial assistance amounting to ₹80 lakh has already been disbursed to various care homes across Mizoram. Emphasizing that cooperation with local churches and pastorates is vital for running the centre successfully, he urged church members to continue supporting the ministry through prayers and contributions.

A progress report was presented by Rev. Lalrinmawia, Director of Jordan Centre. According to the report, under an MoU between the Government of Mizoram and the Mizoram Synod, it was finalized on March 18, 2026, that the Synod would administer the Sethawn Jordan Centre for a 15-year period. A Jordan Centre Managing Committee was constituted, with Rev. Dr. K. Lallawmzuala appointed as Chairman and Rev. Lalrinmawia as Director.

The centre will operate in two phases/sections: the de-addiction wing can accommodate 70–80 inmates, while the aftercare training wing is designed to house around 150 people; it will function not only as a rehab facility but also as an educational/vocational training centre. The monthly stay fee is set at ₹3,000, with the Synod covering costs for those unable to afford it.

Admissions will open tomorrow, October 7, and the first intake of inmates will begin on October 20.

Staff joined on September 18, 2026, and residential quarters have been renovated. A generator has been installed to resolve electricity issues, and Jio internet and CCTV systems are fully operational. The Director requested the public's prayers and noted that a well-equipped guest house is available for visitors who wish to visit and pray on site.

During the service, the Thingdawl Pastor Bial Choir presented a musical item. Pu Lalchhungliana, Co-Ordinator, Synod Social Front, proposed the vote of thanks,
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Source & Wire Service: Prasar Bharati SHABD (DD / Akashvani News)