INTO A GREEN HEAVEN
Efficient allocation of resources has inculcated a green and industrious spirit in the Mizos
Being one of India’s most scenic and naturally affluent states, it’s hardly a surprise that this northeastern hill state scores highly on environmental parameters. To protect, propagate and develop wildlife and its environment, the state government has notified 10 protected areas in the state—covering 8 per cent of the total geographical area. A key factor in protecting the environment was the implementation of the New Land Use Programme (NLUP) in 2011. It discouraged jhum cultivation, which adversely affects soil health.
Mizoram also adopted the New Development Policy (NEDP) in 2016, which changed the way resources were allocated for development in the state. “With the introduction of NLUP and NEDP,” Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla said, “Mizoram is one of the highest growing economies of the country.” The state clocked growth rates of over 8 per cent between 2013 and 2016. The recent Magnetic Mizoram Investors Summit, the chief minister added, promised investments of Rs 600 crore in solar energy and Rs 1,500 crore in the hospitality sector.
A key area of focus in the NEDP is entrepreneurship development. Its Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (EDS) is being implemented through the Mizoram Entrepreneurship Development Monitoring Committee (MEDMOC) to equip applicants with requisite skills for starting their own venture and providing them with institutional and knowledge-based support to run their businesses successfully.
According to MEDMOC officials, the programme is meant to groom the budding entrepreneurs of Mizoram and will be administered by IIM Calcutta. One of the key components of the scheme is the Micro Startup Capital Competition or Mizoram
Rabhi (rabhi means stepping stone in Mizo language), which aims to provide micro funding to potential and promising start-up ventures. The initiative goes beyond funding as a mechanism for monitoring the progress of the ventures has been put in place.
Three Micro StartUp Capital Competitions have been held so far. In another huge step towards building an entrepreneurship ecosystem in the state, Mizoram Kailawn 2018, the first-ever business plan competition and entrepreneur summit, was organised this year. The summit received 330 entries, with the business plans spanning sectors such as agriculture, construction, skill building, handicrafts, tourism and recycling.
The other initiatives under EDS include administrative reforms in the Ease of Doing Business, strengthening infrastructure for entrepreneurs and farmers, preparing an entrepreneurship manual, setting up an entrepreneurship knowledge centre for providing handholding support services and data bank, conducting a need-based entrepreneurship and skill development programme, conducting exposure trips for potential entrepreneurs, a tie-up with the Mizoram University Incubation Centre and the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park.