Mizoram: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla participates in Swachchhta Abhiyaan, interacts with locals in Aizawl

Aizawl (Mizoram) [India], September 28 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is in Mizoram to attend the 21st Conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Zone III, performed Shramdaan at the Swachhta Abhiyan in Aizawl on Saturday.

Speaking to ANI, Birla said that on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, all the workers in Mizoram engaged in Swachhata Pakhwada.

“Mizoram is a state where lakhs of workers run a campaign of doing Shramdaan every day. On the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, all the workers in Mizoram are engaged in Swachhata Pakhwada…They have considered cleanliness as an integral part of their life,” Birla said.

Birla also visited the Bada Bazaar in Aizawl, where he embraced the essence of ‘Vocal for Local’ by purchasing a bamboo hat and other unique regional products. In a nod to the future of India’s economy, he promoted digital transactions by paying for these items via UPI, seamlessly scanning the QR code. This initiative not only supports local artisans but also strengthens India’s digital growth.

In a post on X, Birla said the digital revolution in India over the last decade has significantly improved the daily lives of people in both metro cities and the Northeast, especially in Aizawl in Mizoram, where over 80 per cent of local shop payments are now made through UPI.

“The digital revolution that has taken place in India in the last 10 years has made the lives of common people easier in metro cities as well as in the Far Northeast region. While shopping for things rooted in the culture and traditions of the Northeast in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, payment was made through UPI. Local shopkeepers said that more than 80 per cent of their business payments come through digital means. Business has also increased with the advent of digital payment methods,” Birla said in a post on X.

Birla spent around 20 minutes walking through Bada Bazaar in Aizawl, engaging in meaningful conversations with local shopkeepers and craftsmen. During his visit, he explored the fruit and vegetable market, where he purchased local fruits and interacted with vendors. Responding warmly to requests from the public, Birla also took several photographs with the people, making the experience even more memorable for those present.

After this, Birla interacted with the public representatives of the panchayat in village Falkun of Mizoram. They informed Birla about the development work in the village. Shri Birla invited them to come to Parliament House. Praising the development in the village, he urged them to continue with the good work.