Aizawl, Feb 26 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, unveiled a budget of Rs 17,469.91 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27 during the Assembly session on Thursday, placing significant focus on social infrastructure, connectivity, and the agriculture sector.

In his capacity as Finance Minister, Lalduhoma also proposed supplementary demands for grants totaling Rs 3,724.25 crore for the ongoing fiscal year.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) will persist with its flagship Bana Kaih (hand-holding) initiative, designed to enhance farmers’ livelihoods. A budget of Rs 350 crore has been set aside for this scheme, with Rs 150 crore allocated for the procurement of key crops.

Since coming to power in December 2023, this marks Lalduhoma’s third budget presentation in the state Assembly.

In a subsequent media briefing, he noted an increase in Mizoram’s share to 0.564 percent under horizontal devolution, as recommended by the 16th Finance Commission. This adjustment is expected to provide the state with Rs 8,608.08 crore from Central taxes and duties in 2026-27, reflecting a rise of Rs 976.80 crore compared to the previous Finance Commission's award.

The budget estimates for 2026–27 anticipate a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs 43,817.09 crore. Revenue receipts are projected at Rs 14,994.31 crore, while capital receipts are estimated at Rs 2,475.60 crore. The total Consolidated Fund is anticipated to reach Rs 17,469.91 crore, with gross expenditure approximated at Rs 17,076.92 crore. The total receipts are expected to surpass total expenditure by Rs 392.99 crore, which will be utilized to diminish public account liabilities, Lalduhoma stated.

He further explained that the principal factor contributing to the deficit increase is the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), which categorizes funds as loans that are interest-free and repayable after 50 years, specifically for capital development projects.

Given the favorable terms, the state government intends to optimize assistance under SASCI, with Mizoram expecting to receive Rs 1,519 crore through this scheme in the current financial year.

Regarding the 15th Finance Commission’s Rural Local Bodies (RLB) grants, Lalduhoma indicated that only the first installment for 2021-22 had been received previously. The current administration has taken proactive measures to secure the outstanding installments. Of the total backlog, which amounts to Rs 25,350 lakh, a significant portion has been received to date, while approximately Rs 7,400 lakh is anticipated this financial year. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the complete release of the remaining funds, he added.