426/2026-2027

AIZAWL — October 9, 2026: Under the Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme, a flagship initiative of the Government of Mizoram, assistance worth ₹33,51,03,870 has been disbursed to 7,275 beneficiaries under the Chief Minister's Special Package. Additionally, through the Loan Component of the scheme, loans amounting to ₹48,79,10,824 have been disbursed to 522 selected Progress Partners.

As part of the ongoing Phase-III implementation of the Handholding Scheme, a 'Workshop on Handholding Scheme' was organized today at the Planning & Programme Implementation Department Conference Hall in Aizawl for Implementing Departments, District Administrations, and Partner Banks. Dr. KC Lalmalsawmzauva, Adviser to the Chief Minister (Implementation of Handholding Policy), graced the event as the Chief Guest, while Pu Lalfakzuala, CEO of the Handholding Scheme, chaired the session.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Dr. KC Lalmalsawmzauva emphasized that the Bana Kaih Scheme is a vital tool to accelerate Mizoram's journey toward self-reliance. He stated that Nodal Officers of the implementing departments play a critical role in establishing sustainable self-reliance across various sectors. He urged Nodal Officers to exercise extreme care and diligence to ensure that only reliable individuals with genuine skills and potential are selected to build stable livelihoods through the scheme.

Dr. Lalmalsawmzauva also highlighted the importance of valuing indigenous produce, noting that local broomsticks produced in Mizoram should be utilized effectively within the state. To illustrate the urgent need for food self-sufficiency, he pointed out that between October 3 and October 8 alone, imported potatoes passing through the Vairengte check gate were valued at ₹1.15 crore.

The Adviser further stressed that strong cooperation between implementing departments and banks is crucial for the scheme's ultimate success. He noted that department officials must closely monitor the selected Progress Partners under their purview, announcing that a Chief Minister's Special Award will be announced to recognize outstanding performance.

During the workshop, Pu LP Lalchangkima, Member of the Mizoram State Project Coordination Committee (MSPCC), gave a detailed presentation on the evaluation and monitoring processes of Handholding Scheme applications. Following this, Pu Zohmingthanga, Member of MSPCC, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on 'Banking & Project Appraisal', explaining how to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for loan applications, how to oversee project progression, and key factors to consider when selecting reliable Progress Partners.

The afternoon session focused on feedback from banks and implementing departments regarding necessary realignments and improvements for the scheme's execution. Participants reviewed the challenges encountered during Phase-I and Phase-II and deliberated on effective strategies to overcome them.

A total of 15 schemes are currently integrated under the Bana Kaih Scheme umbrella. The state government subsidizes the interest on loans taken under this scheme, having already paid ₹1.123 crore in interest components alongside approximately ₹14 lakh in guarantor fees.