CM Supports Special Needs Students with School Bus Donation

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma handed over a 24-seater TATA school bus to Ephatha Special School for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing on February 28, 2025. The donation was made under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). The event took place at the Chief Minister’s office yard in Mizoram.

IOCL’s Contribution to Mizoram’s Development

During the event, the Chief Minister praised IOCL for its continuous support to Mizoram, highlighting its role as one of the state’s highest taxpayers, contributing nearly ₹170 crore annually. He also acknowledged the company’s COVID-19 relief efforts, which included donating 21 dialysis machines and supplying medical beds during the pandemic.

Additionally, the Chief Minister mentioned IOCL’s expansion of its bottling plant in Mualkhang, a project backed by the state government.

New Oil Depot and Additional Support

Lalduhoma also announced that the government is assessing two locations for a new oil depot in Mizoram, aiming to improve fuel storage infrastructure. He expressed confidence in the project’s success and thanked IOCL for its continued support.

Furthermore, the CM revealed that IOCL plans to donate two more buses to the Spastic Society later this year to further aid children with special needs.

Appreciation from Ephatha Society

Saihmingthangi, President of the Ephatha Society, expressed gratitude towards both IOCL and the Chief Minister, stating that the school bus will significantly benefit students traveling from different parts of the city. She appreciated IOCL’s commitment to supporting the welfare of differently-abled children.

Additional Support for Bus Registration and Insurance

To ensure a smooth transition, the Chief Minister’s Office has committed to covering the registration costs of the bus, while Zothantluanga, a TATA Dealer, will handle the vehicle insurance.

Dignitaries and Officials Present at the Event

The event was attended by IOCL officials, including:

• Z. Lhungdim (DGM, LPG-Engineering & State Level Coordinator for Mizoram)
• Kuldip Sarma (Senior Manager, Retail Sales)
• Malati Malakar (Senior Manager, HR-CSR)

Also present were members of the Ephatha Society, school staff, students, and officials from the Chief Minister’s Office.

This initiative reinforces the government’s commitment to inclusivity and educational support for children with special needs in Mizoram.