The Mizoram government has taken a significant step toward economic empowerment by extending its flagship Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme to Lunglei district, marking a crucial phase in the state’s push to promote grassroots entrepreneurship. A sensitisation and consultation programme was organised by the Mizoram State Policy Coordination Committee (MSPCC) at the HPC Conference Hall in Lunglei on August 5, with the objective of engaging and informing local stakeholders about the scheme’s goals, structure, and implementation progress. The event was chaired by Dr KC Lalmalsawmzauva, Vice Chairman of MSPCC and Adviser to the Chief Minister (Implementation of Handholding Policy), who emphasised the scheme’s core mission—to support aspiring entrepreneurs across sectors through direct financial assistance, skill-building, and mentoring. The session drew a wide range of attendees, including Members of the Legislative Assembly, senior government officials, representatives from financial institutions, civil society organisations, NGOs, church leaders, educators, and journalists.
Welcoming the gathering, Pu V. Malsawmtluanga, Vice Chairman of the Lunglei High Powered Committee and MLA of Lunglei North, set the tone for the event, stressing the importance of local collaboration in driving the scheme forward. A detailed status update was presented by Pi Navneet Mann, Deputy Commissioner of Lunglei, who outlined the progress made in identifying eligible beneficiaries and the administrative preparedness for rolling out the scheme in the district.As part of the outreach, MSPCC Member Pi Laldikkimi revealed that in Phase 1, a total of 2,257 “progress partners” across Mizoram have been selected for the Chief Minister’s Special Package, with 646 individuals identified to receive government-backed bank loans to initiate or scale up their business ventures. Specifically for Lunglei, 48 progress partners have been selected under 12 departments, while 362 individuals have been shortlisted for the Chief Minister’s Special Package under 8 departments, signifying the district’s growing entrepreneurial potential.
The scheme’s financial and technical backbone is being supported by key banking institutions, including State Bank of India (SBI), Mizoram Rural Bank (MRB), and Mizoram Cooperative Apex Bank (MCAB). Dr Lalmalsawmzauva, in his address, recalled the scheme’s pilot launch in Aizawl on September 19, 2024, and underscored its early successes. He highlighted a landmark achievement—the procurement of over 3.47 lakh quintals of ginger from local farmers, reflecting the scheme’s commitment to strengthening agro-based industries and empowering farmers with market assurance.To provide greater clarity on the loan application and disbursement mechanisms, Pu LP Lalchangkima, MSPCC Member and Managing Director of Zoram Industrial Development Corporation (ZIDCO), walked attendees through the procedural aspects. He encouraged stakeholders to work closely with departments and financial partners for smooth processing of loan support and mentoring services.
