New system of governance central to ZPM govt's vision for self-reliant Mizoram: CM

Aizawl, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Saturday said that a new system of governance remains central to the present ZPM government's vision to build a self-reliant economy.

Addressing the Independence Day programme here, Lalduhoma said achieving self-sufficiency in food and other essential sectors was a key objective of his government, alongside improving livelihoods and ensuring balanced development across Mizoram.

"We are taking steps to build a stronger system of governance and a self-reliant, more developed state, while improving the living standards of the people. To achieve self-sufficiency in food and other essential areas, our central vision has been, and will continue to be, a 'people's government' with a new vision and a new approach," he said after hoisting the Tricolour.

He described the state's flagship programme "Bana Kaih" or Handholding scheme as the government's most important initiative for transforming the Mizoram economy.

Lalduhoma said that the scheme aimed at going beyond financial assistance by enhancing skills, creating livelihood opportunities and supporting the economic development of individuals, families and the state.

Highlighting measures aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, Lalduhoma said the government has launched a ₹20 crore Mizoram Bana Kaih Venture Capital Fund to help young people establish businesses and become self-reliant.

The state government had also introduced the Mizoram Grand Challenge, the Industrial and Investment Policy, 2025, and an Investment Promotion Agency to attract investors and encourage investment, he said.

The Bana Kaih scheme has been extended to agriculture and allied sectors, with the government continuing to procure and market ginger and other key crops produced by farmers, he said. The state provided ₹140 crore as support price in 2025, while about ₹22 crore had already been provided in 2026, Lalduhoma said.

He said the government was also promoting ginger processing and exports, including through the Sairang Horticulture Centre.

A ₹30.13 crore project sanctioned by the Ministry of DoNER for a ginger processing unit in Champhai is expected to increase the value of processed produce and boost farmers' incomes, he said.

The government's broader push for food self-sufficiency includes oil palm, off-season vegetables, bamboo, livestock, dairy, fisheries and sericulture.

Under the National Mission on Edible Oils, oil palm cultivation has covered 1,607 hectares, while farmers have sold 7,225 metric tonnes of produce worth ₹10.53 crore.

Off-season tomato and cabbage production also generated around ₹40 crore for farmers in 2025, he said.

Lalduhoma said that the scheme was also being used to support people recovering from drug dependence through skill-development programmes implemented in collaboration with churches and voluntary organisations.

Around 2,200 people have received treatment so far, he said.

The government has further expanded Bana Kaih scheme into sports through Empowering Mizoram Sports , under which talented athletes are being identified and trained with the 2036 Olympic Games in view.

In the employment sector, the government is implementing initiatives such as Eizawnna Kailawn and Rahbi Chhertu to help young people secure sustainable livelihoods, he said.

Lalduhoma said the government's development initiatives were aimed not merely at increasing awareness but at building a stronger, more inclusive and self-reliant Mizoram through the collective efforts of farmers, workers, traders, youth, women, government employees and voluntary organisations.

He also highlighted a ₹1,000 crore loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank for the implementation of Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme , with 90 per cent of the loan to be borne by the Union government.

The chief minister said the state had also secured a ₹350 crore incentive for effective implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes through the SNA SPARSH system.

On fiscal reforms, Lalduhoma said Mizoram's tax collection had reached ₹1,278.55 crore in 2025-26, while reforms, including GST 2.0, were helping widen and streamline revenue collection.

Lalduhoma said that his government was also expanding rural infrastructure and social welfare programmes.

Mizoram is among the first states preparing to implement VB-GRAM , with ₹611.65 crore earmarked for its launch, he said.

Under VVP-II, 109 border villages are being covered, while 273 new computer-equipped libraries have been established in rural areas.

Under PMAY-Gramin, 25,433 houses have been completed, he said.

To strengthen food security, the government has distributed benefits under the Mizoram State Special Ration Package to 29,000 families and stocked over 1,67 lakh quintals of rice as monsoon reserve for 2026-27, the chief minister said.

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