371/2026-2027

Aizawl, 18 September 2026: Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma today launched the third phase of the Bana Kaih (Handholding 3.0) scheme at the Irrigation & Water Resources Conference Hall, Aizawl.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that several long-standing commitments policies of budgetary provision for procurement of agricultural produce, interest-free loans through 100% interest subvention, and provision of government bank guarantees, are being fulfilled progressively through the Bana Kaih scheme. He described the scheme as a new and significant approach that is both innovative and beneficial to the State.

The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation to all those who have contributed to the successful implementation of Bana Kaih.

Highlighting the broad scope of the scheme, he said that Bana Kaih encompasses almost all major development schemes of the Government. Besides the commonly known components such as procurement of agricultural produce, the Loan Component and CM Special Package, several projects for infrastructure development are also being implemented.

Among the projects highlighted were the Turmeric Processing Industry at the Industrial Growth Centre, Luangmual; Ginger Processing Unit at the Horticulture Centre, Sairang; CM’s Innovation Challenge; Mizoram Handholding Venture Capital Fund; procurement of Solar Dryers and Slicing Machines; Wheat and Maize Contract Farming; and construction of Drying Sheds and Hay Making facilities at the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Farm, Thenzawl.

The Chief Minister appreciated the good cooperation extended by the Partner Banks and noted the progress made by beneficiaries in repaying their loans. He said that a process of moral reformation is also taking place through the Bana Kaih initiative.

He said the Government is aware of the difficulties faced by many young people seeking employment outside the State, particularly due to the lack of access to bank loans. He informed that the Government is considering introducing a Foreign Placement Loan through the Handholding scheme, which is expected to facilitate employment opportunities for a number of young people.

The Chief Minister further said that a Rehabilitation Scheme is proposed under the third phase for Progress Partners who have failed due to circumstances beyond their control.

Referring to the implementation of the scheme, he noted that reports indicate that some departments have a particularly high number of Progress Partners. He urged all concerned departments to accord priority to the flagship scheme and continue to make their best efforts for its successful implementation.

On agriculture, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of promoting organic farming. He said that the Government would like to gradually reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers brought from outside the State while increasing the production and use of locally produced organic fertilisers. He also emphasised the promotion of permanent farming.

The Chief Minister stressed the need for stronger monitoring of projects, observing that inadequate follow-up and monitoring has been one of the major reasons for the failure of many projects in Mizoram. He urged all Progress Partners to cooperate with the Implementing Departments and Partner Banks during monitoring visits and to utilise the funds properly and honestly.

He said that the Handholding scheme is being implemented as part of the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, with the objective of strengthening Mizoram’s economy while continuing the process of moral reformation. He expressed the Government’s determination to create many new avenues of livelihood within a short period and enable Mizoram to progress alongside other States.

The Chief Minister said that the responsibility for this endeavour rests with “Team Mizoram”, comprising every citizen of the State, and called upon everyone to work together and contribute their best towards the development of Mizoram.

The Chief Minister’s detailed speech will also be made available on his official YouTube channel.

Progress of Bana Kaih

Dr. K.C. Lalmalsawmzauva, Vice Chairman, Mizoram State Policy Coordination Committee (MSPCC), presented an overview of the progress made under the Bana Kaih scheme.

During the first phase, 2,255 families were supported under the CM Special Package, with a total expenditure of ₹18,33,58,370. In the second phase, 3,113 families have been supported under the CM Special Package, with ₹15,17,45,500 spent so far. Another 1,907 applicants are yet to receive assistance. With this, a total of 7,275 beneficiaries have been covered under the CM Special Package in the first and second phases.

Under the Loan Component, the MSPCC has selected 823 persons as prospective Progress Partners, with a total loan application amount of ₹118,57,70,195. Applications of 154 persons are yet to be finalised. Of those selected, Partner Banks have sanctioned loans to 509 persons, amounting to ₹46,37,39,450. Loans for the remaining 314 selected Progress Partners are yet to be sanctioned by the banks.

Among the Partner Banks, Mizoram Rural Bank has sanctioned loans to the highest number of beneficiaries, with 328 beneficiaries, followed by State Bank of India with 108 and Mizoram Cooperative Apex Bank with 65. Union Bank of India has sanctioned loans to 7 beneficiaries and IDBI to 1 beneficiary. Awards of appreciation were presented to the banks by Shri Vanlaldina Fanai, Finance & Planning Commissioner.

The Government has so far paid ₹14,01,762 towards guarantee fees to the three banks for beneficiaries of the Loan Component. In addition, ₹1,12,13,347 has been paid towards loan interest. The total expenditure incurred by the Government towards guarantee fees and interest stands at ₹1,26,15,109. Mizoram is understood to be the only State in India providing 100% interest subvention under this arrangement.

Sawhthing Support Price

As of 8 September this year, Support Price amounting to ₹50,68,35,960 has been paid to 11,655 families cultivating sawhthing (ginger). During 2025, Support Price amounting to ₹1,40,84,25,600 was paid to 22,155 farmers.

Among the Secondary Collection Centres (SCCs), Khuangleng SCC recorded the highest quantity of sawhthing sold this year, at 14,52,766 kg, followed by Cherhlun SCC with 7,03,870 kg and Keifang SCC with 6,21,708 kg.

At the village level, Maite recorded the highest quantity sold at 3,17,347 kg, followed by Hliappui with 2,95,240 kg and Cherhlun with 2,88,880 kg.

Among individual producers, Zoramnghaka of New West Phaileng recorded the highest production at 26,462 kg, followed by Lalmalsawmi of Zion Veng, Champhai, with 22,046 kg, and Helen Lalrosiami of Dungtlang with 21,982 kg.

Handholding 3.0 Guidelines

Shri Lalfakzuala, CEO, Handholding, explained the broad guidelines and procedures for implementing the third phase of Bana Kaih. Detailed guidelines will be issued separately.

Clarifying recent comments describing the CM Special Package as “distribution”, he said that the CM Special Packages are project-based assistance provided for specific projects. Since the assistance is provided in the form of a grant, beneficiaries are not required to repay it.

Applications for Handholding 3.0 can be submitted online through handholding.mizoram.gov.in. Those who are unable to apply online may submit their applications at the offices of the DC, SDO or BDO. Personnel have been designated to assist applicants, and no fee is required for submitting an application.

A dedicated helpline has also been established for those seeking information and assistance regarding Bana Kaih. The helpline number is 8119-019-900. A video explaining the application process is also available on YouTube.

Guidelines.pdf