288/2026-2027

Aizawl, August 12, 2026: Chief Minister Mr. Lalduhoma today chaired a meeting of the Mizoram State Policy Coordination Committee at the Planning & Programme Implementation Conference Hall, where the progress of the Bana Kaih (Handholding Scheme) and the way forward were reviewed and discussed.

Handholding Scheme CEO Mr. Lalfakzuala presented a report on the implementation of the scheme. Under CM Special Package Phase-I, 2,255 Progress Partners were selected, with ₹18.33 crore already disbursed. In Phase-II, 3,113 Progress Partners have been selected, involving an estimated expenditure of ₹4.25 crore, although the full amount has not yet been disbursed. A total of 2,135 applications are currently pending verification.

With Phase-III of the scheme set to commence shortly, the meeting directed that pending applications be expedited and that the remaining funds due to progress partners be disbursed at the earliest.

Under the loan component, 742 Progress Partners have been selected, of whom 482 have already received loans amounting to a total of ₹44.05 crore. Mizoram Rural Bank (MRB) has extended loans to the highest number of progress partners, with 314 Progress Partners receiving a total of ₹23.98 crore. State Bank of India (SBI) has provided loans to 104 progress partners amounting to ₹9.48 crore, while Mizoram Cooperative Apex Bank (MCAB) has extended loans to 59 progress partners totalling ₹10.20 crore.

Interest subvention has been provided in two instalments to 479 Progress Partners. The first instalment amounted to ₹15,92,137, while ₹96,21,210 was disbursed under the second instalment. Guarantee fees amounting to ₹14,01,762 have also been paid. A total of 233 loan applications are currently pending verification.

As part of convergence between the Handholding Scheme and NABARD, a project worth ₹625.45 lakh is currently being implemented in seven villages of Serchhip district, covering 500 Progress Partners.

The meeting also discussed certain modifications to the implementation procedures proposed for Phase-III of the Handholding Scheme. Changes in the guidelines are expected to be introduced as part of the next phase.

Other matters discussed included expanding media and publicity activities for Bana Kaih and proposals received from the Department of Posts.

Ministers Mr. C. Lalsawivunga, Mr. Lalthansanga, Mr. PC Vanlalruata, Mr. F. Rodingliana, Mr. Lalnghinglova Hmar and Dr KC Lalmalsawmzauva, Adviser to the Chief Minister (Handholding), officials and other members of the Committee, along with representatives of partner banks, attended the meeting.