Mizoram State Museum Project Faces Criticism Over Long Delays and Planning Issues

The Mizoram State Museum project has come under fire from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India due to prolonged inactivity and planning deficiencies. Despite a substantial financial investment, the museum has not yet opened its doors, failing to meet its objectives of preserving cultural identity and showcasing heritage. The report highlights issues such as incomplete designs and theft of materials, raising concerns about the project's future. With refurbishment efforts ongoing, the museum's intended role in promoting Mizoram's culture remains unfulfilled, nearly 18 years after the initial funding was sanctioned.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2025, 12:45 IST

CAG Report Highlights Issues with Mizoram State Museum

Aizawl, Aug 31: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has issued a critical report regarding the Mizoram State Museum project, which has been stagnant for over 12 years despite significant financial investment.

The audit revealed that in March 2006, the Ministry of Culture allocated Rs 3 crore as a one-time grant for the museum project, which had a total estimated cost of Rs 3.62 crore. The Mizoram government was responsible for covering the remaining Rs 62 lakh.

Between 2006 and 2017, the central government disbursed the approved funds, and administrative clearance was granted in March 2007. The Public Works Department (PWD) was tasked with the construction, which commenced in September 2007 and was officially completed in October 2012.

However, the building was not handed over until July 2019, nearly seven years post-completion, with no clear justification for the delay. A review conducted in 2021 indicated that the museum's design lacked essential features such as interior furnishings and galleries, rendering it unsuitable for displaying artifacts. The department acknowledged that the absence of these elements made the structure ineffective as a museum.

The CAG's report emphasized that the project's goals—preserving cultural identity, protecting heritage, promoting art and culture awareness, and providing educational benefits—have not been achieved.

“The Director's claim that the Museum was completed in 2019 is not valid, as the PWD's Engineer-in-Chief certified its completion in October 2012,” the report stated, attributing the delays to “incomplete design and poor planning.”

Currently, refurbishment efforts are underway as part of the Smart City Mission. Aizawl Smart City Limited entered into a contract with a contractor in November 2021, followed by a supplementary agreement in October 2023, to install galleries, electrical systems, air conditioning, firefighting equipment, and flooring. The estimated cost for these enhancements is Rs 3.92 crore. Although the revised completion date is set for March 31, 2024, physical progress was reported at 92% as of March, while financial progress lagged at 60%.

In April 2024, the CEO of Aizawl Smart City Limited acknowledged that the deadline had been missed but promised that the project would be handed over upon completion.

Meanwhile, the Director of Art and Culture reported thefts of electrical fittings, cables, air conditioning units, and elevator components, which have further delayed the project. He also cited delays in fund disbursement from the central government as a contributing factor.

However, auditors emphasized that the primary issue lies in the state's planning. Despite an expenditure of Rs 3.22 crore on construction and an additional Rs 3.92 crore allocated for refurbishment, the museum remains unused. Consequently, nearly 18 years after the initial sanction, the Mizoram State Museum has yet to open its doors, failing to fulfill its purpose of showcasing the region's cultural heritage.