The Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) has formally endorsed a proposal to establish a branch of the Mizoram Cooperative Apex Bank (MCAB) in Kamalanagar, addressing critical deficits in regional financial infrastructure while expanding access to credit for local businesses and residents. Highlighting the pressing need for expanded banking services, CADC Chief Executive Member Nirupam Chakma emphasized during a high-level consultative meeting at the CADC Art and Culture Hall that the existing branches of the State Bank of India (SBI) and Mizoram Rural Bank (MRB) remain inadequate to service the region’s growing population. Chaired by CADC Executive Secretary Pronit Bikash Chakma and attended by MCAB Chairman Lalnunsanga alongside local representatives and cooperative society officials, the discussions focused on bridging the financial inclusion gap across Kamalanagar and adjacent populous centers such as Longpuighat, Borapansury, New Jagnasury, and Parva. The Chief Executive Member noted that ongoing improvements in regional road connectivity could serve as a catalyst for banking institutions to extend their network to these underserved communities. Furthermore, Chakma underscored the imperative of fostering self-employment and entrepreneurship among local youth, pointing out that administrative employment within the council alone cannot absorb the escalating demand for jobs. Aligning with the Mizoram government’s Bana Kaih policy, he identified key developmental sectors—including agriculture, tourism, veterinary services, fisheries, small-scale industries, handloom, and handicrafts—as viable avenues to generate sustainable livelihoods across the council area. To achieve this, the CADC committed to facilitating comprehensive skill development initiatives, assisting aspiring entrepreneurs in securing institutional credit, and providing full administrative cooperation for the prompt setup of the proposed MCAB facility. Welcoming the initiative, MCAB Chairman Lalnunsanga described the CADC jurisdiction as an increasingly vital commercial hub, expressing confidence that a dedicated branch would enhance local credit flow, empower citizens toward financial self-reliance, and enable small businesses to scale operations efficiently following prior engagements with cooperative society shareholders at the local Tourist Lodge.
