Leitlangpui Rahbi, the first ever entrepreneurship competition for Lunglei District concluded successfully on the 4^th December, 2019 with an Award Ceremony held at the HPC Lunglei Conference Hall. Pu Tawnluia, Deputy Chief Minister of Mizoram graced the function as Chief Guest. The event was chaired by Lunglei DC Pi K.Lalrinzuali. Agriculture Minister Pu C. Lalrinsanga, Sports Minister Pu Robert Romawia Royte, HPC Vice Chairman Pu Lawmawma Tochhawng, MYC Chairman Dr Vanlaltanpuia, Bamboo Development Board Vice Chiarman Dr K. Pachhunga, MLA, Vety & Fishery Development Board Vice Chairman Pu C. Lalmuanpuia, MLA, were also in attendance.

The Deputy Chief Minister congratulated the efforts of the Planning and Programme Implementation Department and Lunglei High Powered Committee to promote entrepreneurship amongst the young, budding aspirants, stating that it was heartening see the Mizo youth coming up with innovative ideas and succeeding in their chosen fields and areas of interests. Our approach should be development of ecosystem for entrepreneurs; to choose what is viable and sustainable, and not to be individual centric, he said. The Deputy Chief Minister also said that focusing on promoting entrepreneurship ecosystem should continue, so that more and more youngsters may decide to pursue entrepreneurship instead of seeking jobs in the Government and private schools and companies.  This will, in turn, generate employment and contribute towards the development of our economy, he said. Pu Tawnluia encouraged the youth to follow their dreams and passion, and not to be afraid of failure, but to take it as a stepping stone to success. 

Mizoram is witnessing an emergence of a young business class with sharp entrepreneurial acumen with a drive for success. Not only do these potential contributors to the economy need to be encouraged and supported, the spirit of entrepreneurship needs to be promoted further especially among the youth of the State. To this end, the Micro Startup Capital Competition or “MIZORAM RAHBI” initiative under the Entrepreneurship Development Scheme of the Govt. of Mizoram seeks to provide a stepping stone for emerging and early stage entrepreneurs who are yet to gain traction through grant of micro capital. Based on this ‘Rahbi’ model, the High Powered Committee, Lunglei formulated the ‘LEITLANGPUI RAHBI’ Competition for motivating, nurturing and financing startups within Lunglei District. The Leitlangpui Rahbi involved a fair contest wherein business startup plan proposals were judged by an unbiased panel of experts to assist sincere enterprises that will potentially in turn contribute to the economic development of the State. The cascading effect of forward and backward linkages of these ventures is also expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment. 

As risk-taking is an integral part of entrepreneurship and risk free investment almost never succeeds, the winners will be expected to match fund required for their business plan that is over and above the grant amount (which is a sum not exceeding Rs.2.5 lakh or half the estimate of the business plan, whichever is lower) or through bank loan. It is of great import to note that the overarching objective of this initiative, besides financial assistance to turn ideas into action, is to spread awareness on entrepreneurship among the masses in general and to promote it among the youth in particular through open Competition. The initiative goes further by putting in place a mechanism for monitoring the progress of the ventures funded under it, provide institutional and knowledge-based support and scrutinize whether the fund granted is being utilized properly.

The Leitlangpui Rahbi Competition, launched on 6^th June, 2019 by the Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga saw an overwhelming response from the public, with 857 applications received in total. After an initial 1^st round interview, 86 finalists were selected out of which 15 Winners were again selected after a Boot Camp and 2^nd round interview with a panel of experts headed by Planning Secretary, Dr. C. Vanlalramsanga. 

Leitlangpui Rahbi 2019, Micro Start Up Capital Competition winners are as below:

1. C. Lalhmangaiha, Electric Veng, Lunglei. Leitlang Pictures (Online Mizo Movies)

2. C. Lalramluahpuia, Electric Veng, Lunglei.  OG Food Truck

3. Ramdinmawia, Haulawng.  VB Ecofriendly Production- Bamboo Products

4. H. Lalengmawia, Cherhlun. H&T Farm (Piggery)

5. F. Lalramnghinglova, Theiriat, Lunglei. Fanai Bee Farm

6. Laltanpuii Hnamte, Zohnuai, Lunglei. Cafe 02

7. R.Vanlalzami,  Lunglawn, Lunglei. Baw Bawih Homemade Pickle & Fruit

8. Sangkhuma Khiangte, Upper Lungrang S. Goat Farming

9. P. Lalromawia,  Tarpho. Jo Jo Onion Farm

10. R. Lalrinmawia, Bazar Veng, Lunglei. Raymond School of Music

11. Vanrammawii Chawngthu, Bazar Veng, Lunglei. Le Blue Cafe

12. F. Zohmingliani, College Veng, Lunglei. FIFA Refree Training Academy

13. M. Lalpekmawia, Hnahthial Peniel. Mualhlun Hood Works

14. H. Vanlalruatfela, Zobawk. RC Bag Works

15. C. Lalduhawma & C. Lalsiamliani, Lunglawn, Lunglei. Tuition Classes