Mizoram CM praises NITI Aayog for establishing First WEP Chapter in Northeast

By: WE Staff | Monday, 24 March 2025

• NITI Aayog establishes First WEP Chapter in Northeast
• WEP aims to Empower Women Entrepreneurs fostering Economic Growth
• Mizoram CM introduced the ‘Bana Kaih’ Scheme focusing on Women Entrepreneurs Progress

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma praised NITI Aayog for establishing the first Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) chapter in the northeast. The initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs and foster economic growth through various schemes through WEP.

The WEP initiative launch event was organized at Mizoram University and was attended by key dignitaries, including Mizoram's CM Lalduhoma, NITI Aayog member, Dr. V.K. Paul, and others. The event also launched a "Bana Kaih" scheme, focusing on women's economic progress, with the Chief Minister emphasizing their industrious nature and focus on supporting aspiring entrepreneurs.

CM Lalduhoma mentioned "We firmly believe it would yield positive outcomes," stating that Mizoram women play a vital role in the state's economic progress. He added "To support young and aspiring entrepreneurs, the state government has earlier launched the 'Bana Kaih' (Handholding) scheme. Currently, in its pilot phase, we have selected 517 progress partners, of whom 140 (27 per cent) are women. We hope more women will benefit from this scheme, and we are also working closely with NITI Aayog to collaborate on Bana Kaih and other schemes."

Mizoram CM Lalduhoma praised Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar for organizing this event. NITI Aayog member Paul praised Mizoram's women for their entrepreneurial spirit and financial independence. Paul urged women entrepreneurs to register with WEP for transformative change.

The Mizoram government launched the 'Handholding Scheme', 'Bana Kaih', last year, which includes a collateral-free and interest-free bank loan, financial support for selected progress partners, and interest subventions for those who repay loans. The state government will serve as a guarantor for these loans under national credit guarantee schemes.