Aizawl: Mizoram Labour Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar has said that the state government is set to roll out the ‘Bana Kaih’ (Handholding Scheme), aimed at improving the financial well-being of labourers.
Speaking at the nationwide conference of state ministers, secretaries, and important officials of the labour department held in New Delhi from January 29 to January 30, Hmar said that the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government headed by chief minister Lalduhoma is making massive efforts to develop labours in the state.
The ‘Bana Kaih’ program, which was launched last year in September, is aimed at extending financial support and assistance to entrepreneurs and farmers.
This initiative includes a series of targeted programs designed to bolster economic growth and encourage self-sufficiency among Mizoram‘s workforce.
He said the handholding scheme will be implemented through the Mizoram Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (MBOCWWB) to uplift the labourers.
Union Labour Minister urged Mansukh Mandaviya to give some relaxation regarding the implementation of labour laws.
The initiative aligns with the national vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This innovative scheme aims to provide a strong foundation for economic growth through targeted programs, offering collateral-free, interest-free loans and market support for key agricultural products.
The Handholding Scheme has been hailed as the first loan scheme of its kind in India. It features five key components, with its main attraction being collateral-free and interest-free bank loans for eligible beneficiaries.
The state government has partnered with banks to offer loans up to Rs 50 lakh, with the government serving as the guarantor under national credit guarantee schemes.
Beneficiaries who consistently repay their loans may also receive interest subvention up to 100%, encouraging timely loan repayment while reducing financial burden.
The scheme also includes the Chief Minister’s Special Category Scheme, which provides grant-in-aid of up to Rs 1 lakh for beneficiaries who are not in a position to avail loans but have significant livelihood projects that could benefit from modest financial support.
The state government has allocated Rs 200 crore for the implementation of the Bana Kaih scheme for the fiscal 2024-25.
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The Handholding Scheme is expected to significantly boost Mizoram’s economy by supporting both small businesses and farmers.
By providing financial aid to entrepreneurs and ensuring stable market prices for essential crops, the scheme aims to create a self-sufficient and resilient economic ecosystem in the state.
