New Governance Model at Heart of ZPM Government’s Vision for Self-Reliant Mizoram: Lalduhoma

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on August 15 said his Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government is working to establish a new model of governance while building a self-reliant economy that can improve livelihoods and strengthen food security across the state.

Speaking at the Independence Day programme in Aizawl after unfurling the national flag, Lalduhoma said the government’s long-term objective was to create a more efficient and people-oriented administration while reducing Mizoram’s dependence on outside sources for essential goods. He described the administration as a “people’s government” committed to introducing a different approach to governance and development.

The Chief Minister identified the Bana Kaih, or Handholding, scheme as one of the government’s key programmes for transforming the state’s economy. He said the initiative was designed not simply to provide financial assistance but also to promote skills, generate sustainable livelihoods and help individuals and families become economically independent.

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As part of its effort to encourage entrepreneurship, the government has established the Rs 20-crore Mizoram Bana Kaih Venture Capital Fund to assist young people seeking to start businesses. Lalduhoma also highlighted the Mizoram Grand Challenge, the Industrial and Investment Policy, 2025, and the creation of an Investment Promotion Agency to attract investments and make it easier for investors to operate in the state.

Agriculture and food production remain major components of the government’s self-reliance strategy. Bana Kaih has been extended to farming and allied activities, while the state continues to procure and market ginger and other important crops. Lalduhoma said Rs 140 crore had been provided as price support in 2025, followed by around Rs 22 crore in 2026 so far.

Efforts are also underway to expand ginger processing and exports. A Rs 30.13-crore project approved by the Ministry of DoNER for a processing facility in Champhai is expected to increase the value of locally produced ginger and improve returns for farmers.

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The state’s wider agricultural programme includes oil palm, vegetables, bamboo, livestock, dairy, fisheries and sericulture. Under the National Mission on Edible Oils, oil palm cultivation has expanded to 1,607 hectares, with farmers reportedly selling 7,225 metric tonnes of produce valued at Rs 10.53 crore. Off-season tomato and cabbage cultivation generated approximately Rs 40 crore for farmers in 2025.

The government has also extended the Handholding approach to drug rehabilitation and sports. In partnership with churches and voluntary organisations, skill-development initiatives are being provided to people recovering from drug dependence. Around 2,200 individuals have received treatment, according to the Chief Minister.

Through Empowering Mizoram Sports, talented athletes are being identified and trained with longer-term goals, including participation in the 2036 Olympics. Employment programmes such as Eizawnna Kailawn and Rahbi Chhertu are also aimed at helping young people establish sustainable careers.

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In healthcare, Lalduhoma highlighted a Rs 1,000-crore Asian Development Bank loan for the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme, with 90 per cent of the loan to be borne by the Union government. He also said the state had secured a Rs 350-crore incentive for effective implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes through the SNA SPARSH system.

The Chief Minister said Mizoram’s tax collection reached Rs 1,278.55 crore during 2025-26, with fiscal and GST-related reforms contributing to improved revenue mobilisation.

Rural development and border areas also featured prominently in the address. Mizoram is preparing to implement VB-GRAM (G), with Rs 611.65 crore earmarked for its launch. Under VVP-II, 109 border villages are being covered, while 273 new computer-enabled libraries have been established in rural areas. Under PMAY-Gramin, 25,433 houses have been completed.

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On food security, Lalduhoma said 29,000 families had received benefits under the Mizoram State Special Ration Package. More than 1.67 lakh quintals of rice have also been stored as a monsoon reserve for 2026-27.

Lalduhoma said the government’s broader development strategy was intended to create an inclusive and economically independent Mizoram. He emphasised that achieving this goal would require the collective participation of farmers, workers, traders, young people, women, government employees and voluntary organisations.