Mizoram CM calls for 90:10 funding pattern for NE schemes

Aizawl: Mizoram CM Lalduhoma has called for special consideration in cost-sharing arrangements under schemes like Command Area Development (CAD), urging a 90:10 funding pattern for the northeast, similar to other centrally sponsored schemes.

Addressing the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah and held at Pragna Bhawan in Agartala of Tripura on Saturday, Lalduhoma highlighted that over 50% of Mizoram's population is engaged in agriculture and allied sectors, but their contribution to the state GDP remains minimal, necessitating CAD schemes.

He also underscored Mizoram's plan to establish an investment zone with world-class infrastructure and a strong focus on ‘Ease of Doing Business'. He also introduced the Bana Kaih (hand-holding) Scheme, Mizoram's flagship programme launched in Aug 2024.

The scheme offers interest-free, collateral-free loans of up to Rs 50 lakh and aims to support entrepreneurs, termed as 'Progress Partners'. This initiative has already attracted 11,397 applications and will work in convergence with central schemes like PMEGP and KCC.

The CM also advocated for the appointment of a full-fledged secretary for NEC to enhance administrative efficiency, the extension of NESIDS (OTRI) to cover urban water supply, addressing the challenges of rapid urbanisation, and the restoration of the power sector in NEC guidelines, considering the untapped renewable energy potential in Mizoram and the entire region.

He underscored the need for equal budgetary allocation between NESIDS (OTRI) and NEC schemes to cater to key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and tourism. He also emphasised the need for simplification of project approval processes to reduce delays caused by multi-level approvals while proposing enhanced sanctioning powers for NEC to expedite project implementation.