1. What is the LESDE Department?
The Labour, Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department (LESDE) was originally established in 1981 as the Labour Employment & Industrial Training Department. Its name was changed to LESDE on 14 June 2017. The Department is headed by the Director/Labour Commissioner, who also serves as Chief Conciliation Officer, Registrar of Trade Unions, and Director of Employment and Industrial Training. It oversees labour welfare, employment services, skill development, and entrepreneurship promotion in Mizoram.
2. What are the main functions of the LESDE Department?
The Department’s primary responsibilities include:
- Enforcement of labour laws and conciliation of industrial disputes.
- Registration and welfare of workers, particularly construction workers through the Mizoram Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (MBOCWWB).
- Operation of Employment Exchanges and the online EmpEx portal for job seekers and employers.
- Management of Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and various skill development schemes.
- Promotion of entrepreneurship and implementation of national and state-level skill missions.
3. How can job seekers register with the Employment Exchange?
Job seekers may register online through the EmpEx portal (https://empex.mizoram.gov.in) or at District Employment Exchange offices (Aizawl, Lunglei, Siaha, and Champhai). Registration is also facilitated through Common Service Centres (CSCs). Required documents generally include educational certificates (originals for age and qualification proof), proof of identity and address, and, for government employees, a No Objection Certificate. Registration is valid for three years and must be renewed. The portal is integrated with the National Career Service (NCS) portal.
4. What is the EmpEx Portal?
The Employment Exchange (EmpEx) Online Portal is an e-governance initiative of LESDE, developed in collaboration with the Mizoram State e-Governance Society. It enables online registration of job seekers and employers, job posting, candidate sponsorship, renewal of registration, SMS alerts, and download of registration cards via DigiLocker. It aims to improve matching of skilled and unskilled job seekers with available vacancies in both public and private sectors.
5. What is the Mizoram Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (MBOCWWB)?
Constituted in 2009 under the LESDE Department, the MBOCWWB provides social security and welfare benefits to registered building and other construction workers. The Board is chaired by the Minister of LESDE. Eligible workers (generally Indian citizens aged 18–60 years engaged in construction work for at least 90 days in a year) and their dependents may access various schemes.
6. What welfare benefits are available under MBOCWWB?
Registered members and eligible dependents may receive:
- Maternity assistance (up to ₹10,000 for female members for up to two children).
- Old-age pension (₹1,000 per month upon reaching 60 years, subject to minimum membership period).
- Disability pension and related benefits.
- Death benefits (higher amount for work-related deaths) and funeral assistance.
- Marriage assistance.
- Medical assistance (daily hospitalisation support subject to annual limits).
- Educational assistance for children (varying by level of education).
- Skill development and upskilling programmes.
For more information, visit https://bocw.mizoram.gov.in
7. Who is eligible for skill development schemes under MBOCWWB?
Eligibility extends to:
- Workers registered with the Board.
- Spouses of registered workers.
- Dependent siblings of registered workers.
- Children of registered workers.
There is no minimum duration of registration required for skill training under the Board’s schemes. Courses include short-term training under NSDC, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and orientation/upskilling programmes.
8. What is Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) in Mizoram?
PMKVY is a flagship skill certification scheme of the Government of India, implemented in Mizoram by LESDE since 2017. It provides free, industry-relevant short-term skill training, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), special projects, and placement assistance. Eligible candidates (typically 10th pass or 12th dropouts and above) can enrol through approved training providers. The scheme has both centrally managed and state-managed components.
9. How can one seek admission to Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Mizoram?
Admission to Government ITIs at Aizawl, Lunglei, and Siaha is conducted annually by LESDE, usually opening around June–August. Eligibility depends on the trade (generally Class VIII or Class X pass, with a minimum age of 14 years). Applications are processed online or as notified on the LESDE website. Merit lists are published in multiple rounds, followed by counselling and seat allotment based on merit and preferences. Trades offered include Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle), Computer Operator & Programming Assistant, Welder, Carpenter, Plumber, and others.
10. What is the Mizoram State Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mission?
The Mission was established under LESDE, with the Director of LESDE serving as Mission Director. It coordinates skill development and entrepreneurship initiatives in the State, aligning with the Mizoram State Policy on Skill & Entrepreneurship Development, 2018. The policy aims to create a robust ecosystem for skilling, connect skilled manpower with demand, and foster innovation and sustainable livelihoods.
11. How can entrepreneurs or innovators engage with LESDE?
LESDE organises events such as LESDE Kût to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and networking among youth, MSMEs, and job seekers. The Department also supports market-linked skill training and provides platforms for local products and enterprises in alignment with national initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Specific programmes and contact details are announced periodically on the official website.
12. Where can official information, forms, and notifications be obtained?
All official information, application forms (including Shop & Establishment, Factories, and Boiler forms), notifications, achievements, and contact details of District Labour & Employment Officers are available on the Department’s website: https://lesde.mizoram.gov.in. Citizens may also contact the Directorate at A-28, Earth Day Road, MINECO, Khatla, Aizawl, or the respective District offices.
Note: Schemes, benefit amounts, eligibility criteria, and procedures are subject to change through official notifications. Applicants are advised to verify the latest details on the official LESDE website or by contacting the concerned offices before applying.
