AIZAWL — Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday launched the state’s new flagship initiative, the Handholding Scheme – Bana Kaih – to provide financial assistance and support to entrepreneurs and farmers in the state through a series of targeted programs designed to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency. Mizoram government officials claimed that the loan scheme was the first of its kind in India. A senior official said that the ‘Handholding Scheme’, locally named ‘Bana Kaih’, comprises five key components, as outlined in the government guidelines with the main feature being a collateral-free and interest-free bank loan. A financial support package for selected progress partners (beneficiaries), offering loans up to INR 50 lakh through partner banks. The state government would serve as a guarantor for these project loans under existing national credit guarantee schemes, the official stated. Also read: Congress will give INR 3000 per month to women in Assam: Bhupen Borah Beneficiaries who consistently repay their loans may also benefit from interest subvention of up to 100 per cent, providing significant relief and encouragement to those who meet their repayment obligations. The official said that the scheme also includes the Chief Minister’s Special Category Scheme, which provides grant-in-aid of up...