Mizoram govt to launch flagship programme ‘Bana Kaih’ policy

The Mizoram government will soon launch its flagship programme ‘ Bana Kaih’ or hand-holding policy to usher in development in the state, state governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati said on Monday. Delivery his customary gubernatorial address in the first budget session of the Zoram People Movement (ZPM) government headed by chief minister Lalduhoma that commenced on Monday, Kambhampati said that the Bana Kaih, which is an innovative policy, will address the issue of availability of institutional credit, particularly microcredit, both for agriculture and small industrial endeavours which have been a pertinent issue in the past. The policy will be implemented syncing various programmes, schemes and initiatives of the Central Government, he said. The governor said that targeted development of agriculture and allied sectors, which contribute to about 26 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) will be the core priority of the government. Improving the marketing aspect of agricultural produce by increasing physical market infrastructure and protecting the general interest of farmers will be accorded importance as well, he said. Horticulture, fisheries, veterinary and animal husbandry and sericulture activities, which are key means of livelihood will also be given renewed attention, he said. Kambhampati told the house that the council of ministers in its meeting on February 5 had approved the Operational Guidelines for Agricultural Market Assurance Fund (AMAF) for procurement of notified crops produced in the state through State Level agencies from farmers associations, societies, Farmers Interest Groups (FIG), Farmers Producer Organization(FPO) and Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). Initially, four crops – ginger, turmeric, chilly and broomsticks are being targeted and in subsequent years, more crops may be included, he said. “Our broad vision and strategy need to be growth with equity, based on enhanced livelihood options through agriculture and rural development, better resource management and development of human resources including relevant skill up-gradation,” the governor said. Kambhampati said that the government recognizes the need for development, construction and maintenance of infrastructure in the state, among which road infrastructure is the most important.”The government is committed to leave no stone unturned to improve the quality of all roads and to ensure better road networks and connectivity with neighbouring states. Improvements of all projects under the Road sector are being prioritised. Innovations and new practices in road technology will be incorporated wherever possible,” he said. He said that Mizoram State Project Monitoring Committee was constituted in January under the Chairmanship of the chief minister Lalduhoma to mandate monitoring of important and major infrastructure development projects. In his address, the governor said that the state’s economic space is constrained and there are challenges and issues that have to be addressed in the state’s economy and financial condition.

“Due to a small base of our own tax revenue, decreasing Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant, low level of investment by private sectors and at the same time, to meet higher committed expenditure, the state has to resort to borrowings, hence, we have a public burden and fiscal deficit. But, with every challenge, there is always an opportunity – to re-think, re-assess and make way for new ideas and policies,” he said.”To correct economic headwinds, we need a multi-pronged approach that must include, among others, fiscal prudence, financial discipline, austerity measures, judicious resource management and effective mobilization,” he added. The governor said that the government will make massive efforts to attract investment from outsiders and express hope that the Mizoram Sustainable Investment Policy 2024, which was approved by the Council of Ministers in February, will be an earnest step towards attracting investment in various sectors of the state’s economy. The new investment policy envisages creation of investment zones, establishment of Industrial Infrastructure Maintenance Fund, terms of land lease to outside investors, sector-wise safeguards for indigenous entrepreneurs and institutional and procedural frameworks for investment to name a few. The Policy will aid in attracting diversified investments, create employment opportunities, enhance infrastructure, promote skill development, facilitate technology adoption and boost the overall socio-economic growth of the state, the governor said. He said that the government will take the endeavour to make the state self-reliant in power and energy, with special emphasis on additional power generation through solar and other renewable energy sources.

Efforts will be made for improving efficiency in generation, transmission and distribution of power,  he said. Kambhampati also said that the government will increase focus on improving all facets of urban life by putting in serious efforts to make the best use of the various schemes of the Central Government and also augment them through available resources of the state to address urban challenges.At the same time, rural development and poverty alleviation will be key priority areas since development will not be inclusive if the pace of development is not the same in rural areas, he said. The ongoing budget session will conclude on March 13 and Lalduhoma, who also holds the finance portfolio, will present the state’s annual budget on February 27.