Mizoram Seeks Special Financial Package for Flagship Programme 'Bana Kaih'

Mizoram has sought a special financial package from the Centre to implement its 'Bana Kaih' policy aimed at reducing economic disparity and generating employment. The policy focuses on empowering various sectors, including agriculture, horticulture, and small industries. The state government has already allocated Rs 200 crore for the initiative.

Mizoram has placed a request with the Centre for a special financial package to implement its ambitious 'Bana Kaih' or 'Hand-holding' policy, an official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) revealed on Sunday.

During the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced the initiative aimed at reducing economic disparity between urban and rural areas while generating employment opportunities. The policy will target the availability of microcredit for agricultural and small industrial ventures, integrating central government schemes and initiatives.

For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Mizoram government has earmarked Rs 200 crore for the policy, along with a Rs 110 crore corpus fund for agricultural assurance. The policy will support various sectors, including local agricultural produce, food processing, entrepreneurship, and skill development, focusing on youth employment and small-scale industries.

Efforts under the policy will include renewed initiatives in horticulture, fisheries, veterinary and animal husbandry, and sericulture, which are crucial for many residents. Chief Minister Lalduhoma cited high living and project costs due to the state's remote location, emphasising the need for improved roads, communication infrastructure, and assistance with water, power, education, public health, and hygiene.

Highlighting Mizoram's limited industrial income sources, Lalduhoma requested special financial aid in the form of a 'peace dividend,' noting that the state has not benefited from the security-related expenditure (SRE) scheme like its neighbouring states.

(With inputs from agencies.)