Aizawl, November 2026: Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma today attended the Youth Entrepreneurship Summit (YES) 2026, organised by the Mizoram Entrepreneurs' Chamber (MEC) at Woodland Hill, Zonuam.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister expressed his pleasure at being part of the summit and appreciated the organisers for bringing together young entrepreneurs. He said that although the gathering might not be large in number, the initiative was important for the future of Mizoram.
The Chief Minister said that the Government was working towards transforming Mizoram in every sector, guided by the vision of 2047. He pointed out that while Mizoram accounts for around 0.9 per cent of India's population, its contribution to India's GDP is approximately 0.1 per cent. The State aims to increase this contribution to 1 per cent by 2047. In terms of per capita income, Mizoram has set a target of Rs. 16 lakh by 2047.
He said that efforts to achieve this vision had begun at the grassroots level. The Government had introduced support prices for several agricultural products and was implementing animal and crop insurance schemes to support farmers.
Speaking about the Bana Kaih – CM Special Package, the Chief Minister said that the scheme provides opportunities for those who wish to start small businesses as well as those seeking to expand their existing enterprises. A separate loan component is also available for those aspiring to undertake larger ventures. He emphasised that assistance under Bana Kaih is extended solely to deserving projects, without favouritism or discrimination. Expressing satisfaction with its implementation, he noted that no beneficiary who had received a loan had so far defaulted on repayment. He described the scheme as an effective platform for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of innovation and said that the Government was taking several initiatives to promote it. These include the establishment of an Innovation Facility Centre, the introduction of Innovation Awards, the creation of a Venture Capital Fund to support start-ups, and the Mizoram Start-up Mission.
He also highlighted the growing momentum in the MSME sector, noting that many young people were setting up food-processing units using locally produced agricultural products. He informed that several permits had been issued this year to entrepreneurs interested in producing fruit beer from locally grown fruits. He said that the MSME sector was making steady progress in the State.
The Chief Minister encouraged young people to study the various Government initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and make the best use of the opportunities available to them.
He also called upon the people to appreciate and support locally made products. Purchasing products made in Mizoram, he said, would directly encourage and strengthen local producers. He mentioned that the Government had introduced the Mizoram Preferential Store Purchase Rule to promote locally manufactured goods and was making efforts to maximise the use of products made within the State. He further informed that a Made by Mizo kiosk had been opened in Delhi in August to promote Mizo products beyond the State.
On improving access to finance, the Chief Minister said that the Government considered having its own bank important to enable local entrepreneurs to access loans more conveniently and quickly. A committee had already been constituted to examine the proposal, and the Government intended to take it forward towards implementation.
Concluding his address, he reminded everyone that they were all part of Team Mizoram. Although their professions and places of work might differ, everyone shared the responsibility of working together for the progress and development of the State.
During the programme, the Chief Minister launched ten products developed by Mizo entrepreneurs and distributed prizes to the winners of the Innovation Challenge organised as part of the summit.
The inaugural session was chaired by Shri C. Lalpekliana, Vice President of MEC. Shri Joseph L. Ralte, President of MEC, explained the purpose of organising the summit, stating that it was intended to provide young people with entrepreneurial exposure and encourage more of them to venture into business. He added that the State's adoption of a progressive Industrial and Investment Policy had made entrepreneurship an increasingly promising avenue in Mizoram.
Shri Lalfakzuala, CEO of Handholding, also spoke on the Bana Kaih initiative.
