Zothankima, a young graduate living in Kolasib district of Mizoram, was unable to get employment after completing his education.
He then started fish farming in the district for a livelihood and recently got himself registered under the New Land Use Policy Scheme and got technical assistance and a loan of Rs 25,000 with which he expanded his business.
Today he earns enough to take care of his family.
“The government has been very helpful to us. I live in the Kolasib district and rear fish in my pond. My work is going well and I have received monetary help from the government. I hope to be successful in the future,” said Zothankima.
The New Land Use Policy Scheme is the flagship program of the Mizoram government.
The state government has pumped huge funds into this scheme and more than 3800 rural men and women have benefited from it so far.
Along with fisheries other areas covered under the scheme include agriculture, industry, animal husbandry, horticulture, sericulture, soil and water conservation and environment.
“We are in New Land Use Policy Scheme and under this we provide a permanent source of livelihood to those who do not have it all and are involved in the Jhum cultivation,” said Niharika Rai, Deputy Commissioner, Kolasib District, Mizoram.
“In the fisheries department we are giving them technical training and providing them financial assistance under NLUP scheme to teach them fisheries management,” said Lalthanzuala, Extension Officer, Fisheries Department, Kolasib.
The concerted efforts of both the state and the Centre are have speeded up the development process in state by implementing various schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan, and Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.