A one-day sensitisation programme on the Mizoram Government’s flagship Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme for Lunglei District was held on Tuesday at the HPC Conference Hall, Lunglei. Organised by the Mizoram State Policy Coordination Committee (MSPCC), the programme aimed to familiarise local leaders and stakeholders with the scheme’s objectives and implementation strategy.
The event was chaired by Dr KC Lalmalsawmzauva, MSPCC Vice Chairman and Adviser to the Chief Minister (Implementation of Handholding Policy). Key participants included Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), members of the MSPCC and Lunglei High Powered Committee (HPC), officials from the Lunglei Municipal Council (LMC), District Monitoring Committee (Bana Kaih) members, bankers, educators, NGOs, church representatives, political party leaders and members of the Mizoram Journalists Association (MJA).
HPC Vice Chairman and Lunglei North MLA V. Malsawmtluanga delivered the welcome address, followed by a presentation from District Deputy Commissioner Navneet Mann on the implementation status of the scheme in Lunglei. Lunglei West MLA T. Lalhlimpuia and LMC Chairman Lalzuithanga also addressed the gathering.
MSPCC Member Laldikkimi reported that under Phase 1 of the scheme, 2,257 progress partners across Mizoram have been selected to receive the Chief Minister’s Special Package, and 646 have been identified for government-supported bank loans. LP Lalchangkima, MSPCC Member and Managing Director of ZIDCO, elaborated on the procedures for loan applications and disbursements. The programme also featured a session for discussions, clarifications, and open interaction, concluding with a vote of thanks delivered by MSPCC Member Zohmingthanga.
Dr Lalmalsawmzauva noted that the pilot phase of the scheme was launched in Aizawl on September 19, 2024, with State Bank of India (SBI), Mizoram Rural Bank (MRB), and Mizoram Cooperative Apex Bank (MCAB) as partner banks. He highlighted the government’s efforts, including the procurement of over 3.47 lakh quintals of ginger and the disbursement of substantial financial support. He emphasised the two core objectives of the Bana Kaih Scheme: providing a vegetable support price to benefit the rural poor, and offering entrepreneurship handholding support for the urban poor—both aimed at enhancing financial empowerment across communities.
In Lunglei District, 48 progress partners have already been selected for entrepreneurship support across 12 departments, while 362 have been identified under the Chief Minister’s Special Package across 8 departments. Loan disbursement is currently ongoing, and the respective departments will continue to provide training, guidance, and monitoring to ensure successful implementation.
