On February 19, the Governor of Mizoram Gen (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh addressed the members of the Fourth Session of the Ninth Legislative Assembly during the commencement of the Budget Session. In his opening remarks, the Governor extended a warm welcome to all Hon’ble members and expressed his honour in delivering the address for this significant event. Emphasizing the importance of the Budget Session, the Governor noted that it not only serves as an accounting exercise for revenue and expenditure but also reflects the government's commitment to the welfare and development of Mizoram.
The Governor highlighted key initiatives such as the "Mizoram Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme," launched in September 2024, which aims to empower entrepreneurs and farmers through financial assistance. This scheme is part of Mizoram's broader vision for inclusive economic growth, aligning with the national goal of a "Vikasit Bharat" by 2047 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Governor's speech also underscored the legacy of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly, urging members to continue upholding the high standards of parliamentary decorum and constructive debate.
Commencement of the Budget Session
Governor General (retired) VK Singh said, I extend a warm welcome to all the Hon’ble members of the Fourth Session of the Ninth Legislative Assembly of Mizoram. It is an honor for me to address this significant Budget Session, and I convey my best wishes to all of you.
Significance of the Budget Session
The Annual Budget Session is not just an exercise in accounting for revenue and expenditure but a reflection of the government’s vision for the welfare of its citizens. I hope that the discussions in this session will lead to concrete actions for the progress and prosperity of Mizoram.
Legacy of the Legislative Assembly
This House has upheld the highest standards of parliamentary decorum, debate, and discussion. I am confident that the Hon’ble Members will continue this tradition, of which we are all proud.
Now, I will highlight the key policies and programs being implemented by the various departments of the State Government.
Handholding Scheme
The Mizoram government launched the flagship “Mizoram Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme” on 19th September 2024 to provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs and farmers, promoting inclusive economic growth and self-sufficiency. This initiative aligns with the Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The scheme has five key components. One of them, Handholding to Progress Partners, offers loans to eligible individuals through partner banks and financial institutions, with the government acting as a guarantor. A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed with SBI, Mizoram Rural Bank (MRB), and Mizoram Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd. (MCAB).
Additionally, the Chief Minister's Special Category Scheme provides a grant-in-aid of up to ₹1 lakh to individuals who cannot avail of loans but have viable livelihood projects.
The government has also introduced a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for four key crops: Ginger, Broom, Turmeric, and Mizo Bird-eye Chilli, ensuring farmers receive fair prices.
Home (Police)
Ensuring peace is vital for prosperity. In 2024, Mizoram remained peaceful due to the proactive role of the Mizoram Police. The department has enhanced police infrastructure, equipment, and housing.
To prevent disturbances in inter-state boundary areas, Mizoram Police is actively deployed, and in collaboration with Assam Rifles and BSF, it patrols international borders.
Key developments:
An Online Portal (fs.online.mizoram.gov.in) was launched on 9th January 2025 for issuing Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
A Study Team was formed to analyse manpower issues in the Prisons Department.
Reconstruction of Central Jail and seven District Jails under SASCI will commence soon.
Rifle Allowance for Home Guard volunteers will be increased to ₹100.
Mizoram Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has pioneered digital signatures in expert reports, making it the first in India to adopt a paperless approach.
The Mizoram FSL website (forensic.mizoram.gov.in) provides real-time online case details for investigating officers.
Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare
Agriculture remains a top priority for the government, with a focus on sustainable farming and increasing crop productivity.
FOCUS Project: Aims to increase the income of 55,000 households through climate-resilient agriculture across multiple districts.
National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm: Out of the 2,500-hectare target for 2024-25, 1,734 hectares have been covered so far. 5509 MT of Oil Palm and 703 MT of Crude Palm Oil have been sold.
Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCD-NER) Phase IV: MoUs signed with four service providers on 21st August 2024.
Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation
Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0 has made significant progress. 16,917 individual toilets and 1,037 community toilets have been constructed.
Solid Waste Management Centers are under construction in Saitual, Siaha, Lawngtlai, and Lunglei.
All 28 urban towns are Open Defecation Free (ODF), with 8 towns achieving ODF+ status.
Self-Employment Programme (SEP): 29 enterprises have received assistance, and 5 SHGs have been granted bank loans.
The DAY-NULM scheme is providing shelters for homeless individuals, including senior citizens and patients’ attendants.
Education
1,369 teachers (648 primary, 371 middle, 350 high school) have been recruited to address shortages.
193 special educator posts have been created to support students with special needs.
Mizo Standard Braille Contraction & Standardized Indian Sign Language Video has been released.
Transport
12,216 new vehicles registered and 21,638 driving licenses issued in 2024.
Construction of an Inspection & Certification Centre at Hlimen, Aizawl is near completion.
Mizoram Electric Vehicle Policy, 2024 was notified on 10th September 2024 to promote EV adoption.
Tourism
PM Ekta Mall to be constructed in Chawnpui, Aizawl to promote local products and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Biate Village (Khawzawl District) was awarded Best Tourism Village 2024. The first ‘Hnahsin Kut’ festival was successfully organized in Champhai. 2,19,114 tourists (Domestic: 2,15,230, Foreign: 3,884) visited Mizoram in 2023-24.
Sports & Youth Services
Empowering Mizoram Sports (EMS) program launched on 14th January 2025 with a ₹2.5 crore budget to develop Olympic-level athletes.
Mizoram Sports Conclave 2024 was held to advance the Vision 2036 Olympic participation goal.
₹110.64 lakh Sports Incentive Cash Award distributed to 418 athletes and officials across 15 disciplines.
Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs
Under Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), funds have been sanctioned for Mobile Medical Care Units and Physiotherapy Clinics. Five new Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) were opened in May 2024.
Public Works & Infrastructure
Significant road, bridge, and building projects are underway under various Central and State schemes.
PMGSY: 146.80 km of roads completed in 2024-25.
NABARD: 46 projects ongoing, including roads, buildings, and bridges. 186 projects under the State Government, with 91.35% completion achieved.
Public Health Engineering
1,33,060 rural households now have Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). 2371 schools and 1556 Anganwadi centers have been provided tap water connections.