MIZORAM STATE RURAL LIVELIHOODS MISSION (MzSRLM) RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT GOVT. OF

ACHIEVEMENT REPORT

INTRODUCTION:

Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MzSRLM) was launched on 22ndApril, 2013 to initiate the implementation of National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) which is a flagship programme under Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) to eradicate poverty in the rural areas of Mizoram. The Mission is now operating in all the districts covering 26 RD blocks entering in 531 villages across the state. In these operational areas, 51739 rural households have been successfully mobilized into a total no. of 5958 Self Help Groups (SHG) which are federated into 367 Village Organizations (VO). MzSRLM currently operates in 11 Districts and 26 RD Blocks.

• Thematic areas under MzSRLM – Capacity Building /Institution Building • Social Mobilisation. • Institution Building. • Deployment of Social Capital – Social Inclusion & Social Development • Food, Nutrition, Health & WASH (FNHW) • Gender Intervention • PRI-CBO Convergence – Financial Inclusion • Bank Linkage • Digital finance • Insurance, Financial Literacy – Livelihoods (Farm & Off Farm) • NRLM Livelihoods, MahilaKisanSashaktikaranPariyojana (MKSP) • Partnership with NEIDA in Piggery • Value –Addition capacity Building • Organic Farming • Partnership with Pig-Fed – Livelihoods (Non-Farm) • Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY) • Non-farm Livelihoods Intervention • Startup Village Entrepreneurship Program (SVEP) – Skills Intervention • DDU-GKY

Capacity Building and Institutional Building Achievements of IB-CB during FY 2019-20. Social Mobilization: At least one woman from each identified Household through Participatory identification of poor is to be brought under the Self- Help Group (SHG) network. MzSRLM has devised Internal Community Resource Person Round (Village Entry) strategy to reach out to these communities and help them graduate out of poverty. • 123 Villages were newly entered during FY 2019-20 from 13 RD Blocks. • Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission took over and Lunglei district from North East Rural Livelihoods Project (NERLP) and Mission Strategy was initiated from October 2019 onwards.

Pic: Village entry @ Chawngte RD Block.

Institution Building:

• 808 Self Help Groups were formed mobilizing Poor Households. • 781 Self Help Groups were identified and in the process of strengthening under NRLM strategy in Lunglei and Aizawl District. • 51 Village Organisations were also successfully formed. • 4 (four) Model Cluster Level Federation formation was initiated in four (4) Resource Blocks viz., Thingdawl, Bilkhawthlir, East Lungdar and Serchhip RD Block

Pic: Buhzem Cluster Level Federation Meeting @ East Lungdar RD Block Capacity building:

• 854 Self Help Groups were provided training on SHG concept and management. • 4226 Self Help Groups were provided training on Revised Micro Credit Plan. • 51 Village Organisation EC members were provided training on Concept Seeding and Management. • 98 Village Organisation were provided training on membership Training. • 163 Village Organisation were provided training on Financial management. • Cluster Level Federation (CLF) visioning formation module 1 – 4 to CLF Managers and 72 members from 36 VO representatives. • 1706 Self Help Groups were audited internally by Community Auditors. • Vulnerability Reduction Plan (VRP) – a participatory bottom-up plan of the Village Organisation to capture and prioritize individual/ collective needs of the vulnerable people and vulnerabilities of the SHG members in the village. Roll out was completed in 41 Village Organisations.

Pic: Self Help Group Audit

Social Capital:

• 60 New Community Facilitatorsand 8 Master Book Keepers Immersion Training was conducted at Block Level. • 28 Internal Junior Community Resource Person Training at State Institute of Rural Development, Durtlang. • Identification of 589 Community Auditors (master Auditor and Asst Auditor), training and deployment in 17 RD Blocks • Identification of 63 Community Facilitators from Aizawl and Lunglei Districts.

Pic: InternalCommunity Resource Person training held at State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Durtlang.

Social Inclusion and Social Development:

• Mobilisation of 973 differently abled members • Formation of 48 differently abled groups.

Pic:Hmangaihte SHG of Dungtlang Village, Khawbung RD Block.

Pic:Vohbik SHG of Samthang Village, Khawbung RD Block.

PRI-CBO Convergence (VC- SHG Convergence): This Project has been initiated from 2018 with the support of Kudumbashree National Resource Organisation, Kerala for two years in Serchhip District covering two Blocks. Achievements & Activities during FY 2019-20 are as follows: • SHG level Participatory Assessment of Entitlements (PAE) was organised in 39 villages. • Training on Entitlement Access Plan for Village Organisation Office Bearers, Local Resource Groups and Village Council members of 40 Village Organisations. • 19 Village Council representatives were given orientation on Village Council Coordination Committee (VCCC). • Village Poverty Reduction Plan (VPRP) Training to 35 Village Organisation Office Bearers and Local Resource Groups. • Innovative Activities like Health Camp, Golden Card Application, Awareness on Various Schemes and Entitlements etc.

Gender: NRLM believes that gender sensitization and social action should be mainstreamed in its framework, systems, institutions and processes to achieve sustainable social, economic and political development. NRLM mobilizes poor women in general and also undertakes special mobilization efforts for reaching women in exploitative situations/ occupations (Single women, divorced, separated, survivors of violence, trafficked women, HIV+ve women etc.) in particular. Activities during FY 2019-20 under Gender Intervention are given below: • Training of Trainers on Gender Orientation for all 17 Block Staff. • 58 Cadres from under District were trained on Gender. • Finalisation of Gender Operational Strategy for FY 2019-20 till August 2020.

Pic: Gender training @SIRD, Kolasib.

Pic: Gender Training @ SIRD, Kolasib. Food Health Nutrition and WASH: NRLM considers Food, Nutrition, Health and WASH (Water, sanitation and hygiene) interventions as universal and facilitate them upfront. Accessing food, nutrition, health and WASH entitlements and services and achieving adequacy in food nutrition, health and WASH security for all families. Achievement during FY 2019-20 under FNHW interventions are as under: • Identification of FNHW Intervention District – with the support of Project Concern International and drafting and finalization of Operational Strategy and Action Plan for FY – 2019-20. • As part of the activity under FNHW, Village Organisations and Self Help Groups across 17 RD Blocks participated in Poshaan Maah observation in convergence with concerned departments as an institution.

Pic: Poshan Maah Rally.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION

Progress under Financial Inclusion during FY 2019-20

SHG Bank Linkage Programme

• The main objective under this programme for Mizoram SRLM is to ensure credit linkage for the existing 80% of the total 6 months old SHG and 80% of the SHG members with Banks through proper livelihoods plan within FY 2019-20. • To achieve the said purpose, the mission ensured credit linkage of 1503 SHGs amounting to 2068.52 lakhs across the state within the FY 2019-20 which was initiated through Credit Target Planning as per the existing 6 months old SHGs with Banks across the state in an aim to provide financial resources to SHG members. • The said credit target was circulated to all the Banks and Branches operating within Mizoram.

Year-wise Progess under SHG Bank Linkage

No. of SHGs Total Amount Disbursed (in lakhs)

2068.52

1461.34 1503

996

340.6 306 16 32 57 57.49

2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20

Pic: Chart Depicting SHG Bank Linkage year wise.

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Pic: Pu Lalruatkima, Hon’ble RD Minister of Mizoram disbursing Bank Loan to SHGs during SARAS Fair, 2019

• To support Banks in terms of credit linkage and monitoring and also assist rural women in banking related works, during the FY 2019-20 Mizoram SRLM has positioned 57 Bank Facilitators (Positioned at 57 bank branches)

SHG Member working as Bank Facilitator working at Baktawng Branch of Mizoram Rural Bank.

Branch Managers and SHG Leaders conducting Community Based Recovery Mechanism (CBRM) Meeting.

• Community Based Repayment Mechanism (CBRM) is a mechanism developed for ensuring zero NPA in the bank Branches financing SHG through community initiatives and peer pressure to have prompt repayment of Bank Loan. • During the FY 2019-20, Mizoram SRLM has formed 57 CBRM in all the SHG credit linked/proposed branches where a meeting is conducted by the respective Bank Branch along with the BMMU chaired by Branch Manager of the Bank Branch.

Pic: CBRM meeting @ Bilkhawthlir RD Block.

Pic: Bankers attending Sensitization Programme on NRLM SHG Bank Linkage at District Level. 120 Bankers have been trained so far.

• 155 Bank Managers were trained in all the districts and sent for exposure visit to best performing States in the State of Telangana to see and understand the SHG Bank Linkage programme of NRLM during FY 2019-20.

Pics: 40 Officials of Mizoram Rural Bank visiting SHGs in the State of Telangana.

SUCCESS STORY UNDER FINANCIAL INCLUSION: BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT

PERSONAL DETAILS Name : LALREMPUII Father’s Name : ZH Thanga Village : Farkawn GP Name : Farkawn District : Champhai State : Mizoram Tribe : Scheduled Tribe Education : Class X Age :39 Marital Status : Divorce Children : One Number of Family members: Five Family occupation: Agriculture

SHG DETAILS

SHG Name : Chawnpui SHG VO Name : Farkawn VO

Ms.Lalrempuii, hailing from a remote village with an agricultural background where all family members rely on agriculture for livelihood. In spite of working hard from dusk to dawn in their field, their family could not make ends meet. Life was difficult, their family income was low and no monetary savings could be done.

After joining the SHG fold under the Mizoram SRLM, she became aware of various livelihoods opportunities other than mere Jhum cultivation. As a single mother, she was motivated and wanted to start new livelihood so as to take care of her son and ailing parents.

She then attended training on Financial Inclusion training for F.I Cadre under Mizoram SRLMand started working with effect from 1st June 2019 till today. Visiting each SHG of her village to help and support them especially in the field of financial inclusion. Help the groups who want to avail bank loansby filling up of application forms and follow up to disburse. As a FI cadre, she gets an honorarium of Rs. 3000-4000 every month.

She was then selected to be Business Correspondent Sakhiof her village and attended the training conducted by MizoramSRLM in collaboration with Caisias Research & Consulting (Corporate BC of Mizoram Rural Bank) from 13th – 10th December, 2019. Lalrempuiitoday feels lucky to have been selected for Bank Sakhi. She received a lot of handholding support and was also provided with all the necessary equipment to set up her kiosk.

She says that she would have never dreamt of such a life where she could be independent and move out of her house and mobilize her community to use bank accounts. Her new found identity as a ‘Bank Manager’ in the village has increased her respect and self-confidence, and also added a source of income for her family. Today, she is distributing salaries, Old Age pensions, also the villagers deposit and withdraw cash at her kiosk which is very convenient as before villagers used to spend lots of money just to reach banks.

The real highlight of her story is that during the Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown she emerged as a top performer by disbursing DBTs worth ₹58.06 lakhs and carrying out 1158 transactions.

Pic: Ms. Lalrempuii at work (left Ms. Lalrempuii distributing Old Age Pension at the home of beneficiary (right) Customer Service Point (below)

FARM LIVELIHOODS Farm livelihoods intervention focused on strengthening the key livelihoods of rural poor with the objectives to diversify livelihood portfolio of rural poor and ensure food and nutrition security, assure incremental income, reduce cost of production andcreation of social capital

Achievements during 2019-20 • During the FY 2019-20, MzSRLM entered into 7 new intensive blocks. • The mission entered 143 new villages and identified 15113 new MahilaKisan for livelihoods intervention under SRLM-AAP. • The mission also identified 129 new Agriculture Community Resource Persons (CRP’s) and 119 new Livestock Community Resource Persons (CRP’s) across intensive blocks.

• The mission also organized food processing training for 25 SHG members in collaboration with Mizoram Food Processing Research & Training Centre.

Pic: Food Processing Training for SHG members at Mizoram FoodProcessing Research & Training Centre during 2019-20 at Phaibawkkawn, Seling.

Development of training module and documentary film.

• IEC materials are developed for farmer’s card, recommended practices on poultry, piggery and nutritional garden. The mission successfully developed piggery, poultry and nutritional garden documentary film in English and .

• The mission also developed training module on Agro-ecological practices • Exposure and field demonstration training of Custom Hiring Centre tools for 46 VO members.

ANIMAL HEALTH CAMP: Animal Health Camp was conducted in 257 villages in convergence with Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department, Govt of Mizoram covering 17 RD Blocks during the Financial Year 2019-20.

Pics: Animal Health Camp held @ different RD Blocks.

NUTRITIONAL GARDEN:

• The mission develops nutritional garden layout design which is suitable for Mizoram condition, preferably in and around of home to meet the dietary requirements of marginal rural households. • The layout includes list of colour crop to be planted depending on the season and spacing requirement for each crop. All livelihoods staff undergoes field demonstration training. • The basic principles include nourishment of soil health organically, use of local materials, crop diversification and NPM During financial year 2019-20, a total of 3896 nutritional gardens were set up across the State.

Pic: Layout design of Nutritional Garden

Pic: Seasonal Calendar

Pic: Nutri-Garden@ different locations.

SUCCESS STORIES UNDER FARM LIVELIHOODS Name: Lalrinmawii SHG Name: Effie SHG My name is Lalrinmawii, I am a member of Effie SHG. I joined SHG after I was invited to join by the MzSRLM staff in 2014. We are a family of five. I have three children, two daughter and one son. The eldest is studying class 12, second in class 7 and the youngest in class 5. Life before SHG: Before I joined SHG under MzSRLM, we use to take care of cows and had a small farm. We also do daily wage works whenever we get a chance. But after having three children, life was becomevery difficult. Also, there are times when our cow doesn’t give enough milk and our crops dying due to pest. So, making ends meet became really difficult. Life after SHG:WhenMzSRLM staff came to our village and spread an awareness regarding formation of SHG, I joined Effie SHG after consulting my husband who was really supportive. Then, I started learning many things regarding raising cattle, taking care of crops as we are trained by professional. Also, I came to know about financial support that SRLM was giving and started borrowing from CIF and group loans which was followed by bank loan with the support of Financial Inclusion team of MzSRLM.

Benefits of being in an SHG: a) I am able to maintain cash book and other book of Accounts b) I became aware of financial stability and the importance of savings. c) I learnt about taking care of crops and cattle. d) I am able to use banking services. After I joined SHG, I took Bank loan and bought 4 more cows and other tools for my farm. Today, I am earning around Rs.30,000 per month from the milk and the crops. I wish every rural women of Mizoram could join SHG under Mizoram SRLM.

Pic: Mrs.Lalrinmawii in her farm

Name : Mrs. Lalramnghaki SHG Name : Lamtluang SHG, Sailulak Age : 33 Marital Status : Married Education : HSLC Age at Marriage : 21 Number of Children : Male -2, Female -1 Head of the family : Lalramthanga (Husband) Occupation/Major source of the Livelihood : Livestock (Gayal/Mithun) Other Source of Income/Livelihood: Shifting cultivation and WRC.

Early life in natal Income:

Lalramnghaki hails from Sailulak village from a family of 12 members. With small-scale agriculture being their main source of livelihood, it could hardly provide their basic necessities. As the family practised shifting cultivation and WRC, they did not have a reliable or permanent source of income. In addition to their poverty, she also has a disabled brother whose care was a big challenge where the resources and facilities were not available for the family. But Lalramnghaki, being the determined child that she was, did not let self-pity or her poverty be an excuse.

The fact that she managed to complete her HSLC in spite of undergoing two eye surgeries was a testament to her determination and fighting spirit. After she was introduced to Self Help Groups and become a member, she now has sown the fruits of her hard work and strong will and now earns permanent source of income, giving her family a better life.

Journey as an SHG Member:

She attended a Gram Sabha held in her village where she first heard of Self-Help Groups (SHG’s) and started to develop a keen interest in SHG after hearing various success stories and how people managed to come out of their poverty through SHG. This gave her a new hope for their family’s better future. She shared the idea of an SHG with her neighbours and formed a group named “Lamtluang”. They held group meetings every week and started saving Rs.10/- every week. They began taking small loans within the Group which helps in understanding the concept of Loans and build their confidence in taking a loan. She then utilized the Revolving Fund being provided by MzSRLM and started rearing pigs which starts providing her family with a new source of income. The conditions of her family started to ease which further motivates her to pursue various prospects of SHG’s. She then utilised her Group corpus for ginger cultivation adding to her income.

She took CIF loan of Rs. 50,000/- and bought two Mithuns and availed a Bank Loan of Rs. 2,00,000/- and bought another 10 Mithuns. She isable to achieve her life-long dream of supporting her husband’s meagre income and help in providing a better life for her family. She now affords to put her children in good educational institutions which she never thought could be possible.

Pics: Ms. Lalramnghaki with her livestock.

Full Name : Emmanuel Lalchuailovi Age : 30 Village :Reiek Village Block :Reiek RD Block Occupation : Fish pond owner.

Early Life: Mrs Emmanuel Lalchuailovi was a house wife before she joined SHG movement in Reiek village. Her husband was a black smith. Life was very difficult as her husband could not earn enough for the family.

Life after SHG: Mrs. Emmanuel Lalchuailovi joined as a member of Ramtiam SHG. She has taken Rs.20,000/- bank loan, Rs. 20,000/- from CIF and Rs. 10,000/- from group loan and started a fishery pond in their land in the nearby area of their village. She harvested 310 kgs of fish last year which sell at Rs. 300 per kg for which she earned a gross profit of Rs. 93,000/-.

Pic: Fish harvested by Mrs. EmmanuelLalchuailovi

NON-FARM LIVELIHOOD Achievements under Non-Farm Livelihoods during FY 2019-20 Up-scaling and promotion of existing rural enterprise and support of new enterprise within the framework of Community Based Organization through training, skill development, financial support, hand holding support by Community Cadre and marketing support to SHG households is the strategies adopted on non-farm livelihoods initiative under Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MzSRLM).

Rural Homestay –

Pic: Training on Rural Homestay conducted by Air BnB representative Trainingon “Rural Homestay Management and Market Linkage”was conducted on 27th and 28th June, 2019 at Champhai Circuit House in collaboration with Air BnB for SHGs running Rural Homestay. Training Topic includes – • Registration of Rural Homestay on Air BnB website. • Practical demonstration on operating Airbnb. • Rural Homestay management and market linkage. • Table Manner and basic dining etiquette. • Preparation of breakfast for different cuisine • Basic Nutrition. • Basic Hygiene and Garbage Disposal. • Basic Customer Service in Greeting the Guests.

Pics: SHG’sRural Homestay on Air BnB website.

Training on Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY) Refresher training on AGEY was conducted on 24th February, 2019 at Chanmari YMA Hall, Aizawl for Self Help Group Members (AGEYbeneficiaries), Village Organizations (V0) and Block Staff from 10(Ten) Rural Development Blocks. A total of 135 participants attended the Refresher Training. Training topic includes– • Managements of Goods and Passenger vehicles. • Importance of Vehicle Maintenance and Routine Vehicle Maintenance. • Motor Vehicle Act and Insurance. • Vehicle Book Keeping and Service Record. • Repayment of Loan. • Submission of Quarterly Report.

Pic: AGEY Refresher Training @ Chanmari YMA Hall, Aizawl.

Enhancing the Skills of Youth in North Eastern States through Rural Technologies. 47(Forty Seven) Rural Youths from SHGs families selected by MzSRLM attended Skill Development training organized by The Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) in collaboration with National Institute Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD & PR) at Hyderabad.

The rural youths are trained on – • Preparation of Herbal Beauty Care Products. • Natural Dying and Conversion of paper in value added products.

Batch-I: Preparation of Herbal Beauty Care Products.

Pic: Batch-I Skill Training at NIRD-PR, Hyderabad during 18th to 22nd February, 2020.

Batch-II: Natural Dying and Conversion of paper in value added products.

Pic: Batch-II Skill Training at NIRD-PR, Hyderabad during 7th to 14th March, 2020.

Distribution of Areca Leaf Plate Making Machine.

• On 13th September, 2019 four (4) Areca Leaf Plates Making Machines was distributed to four Village Organizations (VO) in Bilkhawthlir and Zawlnuam RD Blocks as a means of providing sustainable livelihoods.

Pic: Pu Lalruatkima, Hon’ble RD Minister flagging off the Machines.

Pic: Areca Leaf Plate Making Machine installed at Zawlnuam RD Block.

Sales of Articles of Rural Artisans Society (SARAS) Aajeevika Mela, 2019 at New Delhi. MzSRLM participated in the SARAS Aajeevika Mela organised by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) at Gate Lawns, New Delhi during 10thto 23rdOctober, 2019. • 4 (Four) SHG Members participated in the mela where 2 stalls wasallocated. • Total sales by MzSRLM SHGs during the Saras Aajeevika was Rs. 3,25,608/- • MzSRLM SHG Cultural Troupe comprising of 13 members was among the few to be selected to perform at the Cultural Programme during the Aajeevika Mela. .

Pic: Mizoram Stalls at Saras Aajeevika Mela, New Delhi.

Pic: Mizoram Stalls visited by Pu C. Lalrinsanga, Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture and Agriculture Department Officials (R&E), Govt. of Mizoram.

Pic: Mizoram Stalls visited by Mr. K. Lalrinliana, Hon’ble Minister of State for Food and Civil Supply, Govt of Mizoram.

Pic: MzSRLM SHG Cultural Troupe at Saras Aajeevika Cultural Programme.

Pic: Mrs. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Govt. of India sharing a candid moment with MzSRLM SHG member.

Pic: Mrs. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Govt. of India and MoRD Officials with MzSRLM SHG members 17th Craft Mela, Hyderabad.

• 4(Four) SHG Members from MzSRLM participated in the 17th Craft Mela held at Rural Technology Park, NIRD, Hyderabad on 29th November, 2019. • Best Stall Recognition Awarded to Zorampari, Lily SHG.

Pic: Mizoram SRLM stall at 17th Craft Mela @ NIRD-PR, Hyderabad.

Pic: Ms. Zorampari receiving Best Stall Recognition Award.

Regional Sales of Articles of Rural Artisans Society (SARAS) Fair. Regional Saras Fair held at Vanlalawma Indoor Stadium (VANIS), Kahrawt, Champhai from 28th October to 8th November, 2019. • 102 SHG Members from 14 RD Blocks from across the state of Mizoram participated in theChamphaiSaras Mela. • Stalls allocated – 51 including 7 food court. Regional Saras Fair held at Multi-Level Parking, Tuikual South, Aizawl from 5th to 14th December, 2019. • 170 SHG Members from 18 RD Blocks from across the state of Mizoram participated in the Regional Saras Fair. • Stalls allocated – 84 including 2 food courts.

Pic: Pu Lalruatkima, Hon’ble Minister of State for Rural Development inaugurating the Saras Fair @ Champhai

Pics: Ribbon cutting and stall visit by Pu Lalruatkima, Hon’ble Minister of State for Rural Development.

Pic: SHG stall, Saras Fair @ Champhai. Inaugural Function of Regional SarasFair, Aizawl

Pic: Ribbon cutting by Pu Lalruatkima, Hon’ble Minister of State for Rural Development @Saras Fair, Aizawl.

Pic: Saras Fair @ Aizawl. Pic: Products sold at the Regional Saras Fair, Aizawl.

Training on Products- Packaging, Branding and Labelling:

• Training on Packaging, Branding and Labelling for SHG members conducted one day before Saras Fair @ Champhai on 26th October, 2019 for102 SHG members and Aizawl on 4thDecember 2019 for 170 SHG members.

Pic: Training on Packaging, branding and labelling @ Aizawl.

Pics: SHG products after proper packaging.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Registration. Food Business Operator in the country is required to be licensed/registered under the Food Safety &Standards Authority of India. Adhering to this 143 SHG members across the state under MzSRLM who are engaged in Food Business Operation register their food products/business.

Pic: FSSAI Certificate and FSSAI registration number SUCCESS STORIES UNDER NON-FARM LIVELIHOODS TRADITIONAL PRESERVATION OF ORANGE Orange cultivation in Mizoram has its limitations when it comes to preservation and market. However, there are many farmers in rural Mizoram who are still cultivating oranges. Thus, keeping this in mind Mizoram SRLM and Horticulture Department, Govt of Mizoram took the initiative and send 7 VO leaders from East Lungdar Rd Block accompanied by one staff from MzSRLM and one District Horticulture Officer to attend training at Punjab Agricultural University, Patiala The training took 5 days. The training consists of many things such as, Manual Hand waxing method, procedure, plucking, transportation etc. it also includes, Post-Harvest Management of Horticulture product, value addition, packaging methods, and preservative measures.

Pic: Training at Punjab Agricultural University On their return from their training, SHG members started plucking Oranges from one of their members Mrs. Lalhmangaihtluangi orange orchard. In one day, they have plucked 3000 oranges and bargaining with Rupees 30,000/- and on the same night they started cleaning, grading, and waxing. The process continues for 3 nights.

Pic: Freshly plucked oranges

Pic: Cleaning and waxing The waxed oranges are then preserved using the traditional method and will be sold after the orange season at a higher price which in turn will benefit the SHG members.

Pic: Preservation using traditional method Also, another batch of oranges are transported toSerchhip Horticulture Department to be preserved under Zero Chamber Cold Storage.

Pic: Preservation using cold storage

OUTCOME: The preserved oranges are then sold at the local level fair after they are preserved using the traditional method and the cold storage method. The outcome is really motivating. However, as we are only in the trial stage and also due to the lockdown because of the Covid-19 outbreak, the market scenario has changed and the prices has gone down drastically.

Pic: SHG members selling their oranges at a local mela.

Conclusion: Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission plans to introduce this preservation technique to all the Blocks where orange cultivation is undertaken by SHG members in collaboration with other Line Departments and market for the preserved oranges will also be arranged within and outside the State so that women farmers in rural Mizoram will benefit the most.

Mrs Dimsianchingi Husband’s Name: Lalsawmliana Name of the SHG: Hawilopar SHG Name of Village Organization: Murlen Village Organization

Before MzSRLM: Wage labor was her main source of income and since in the rural area laboring work is not available on a daily basis. So, it was difficult to make ends meet and educating her children has also become a burden.

After MzSRLM: After the introduction of MzSRLM in their village in 2018, Mrs. Dimsianchingi also joined as a member of Hawilopar SHG. After learning about the support rendered by MzSRLM and the chances of getting financial support, she borrowed money from the Community Investment Funds given by MZSRLM and bought an second hand Auto rickshaw which has improved their family income and became a stable livelihood for her and her family. She had repaid all the money she borrowed.

With the help of MzSRLM again she took a bank loan from Mizoram Rural bank and bought a brand-new taxi. Their family income had improved and life is better, educating her children is no longer a burden. She has repaid her bank loan and now is planning to extend her business.

Mrs. Dimsianchingi and her family are very thankful to Mizoram SRLM for giving them the opportunity to take up income generating activity by supporting them financially and empowering them through different kinds of training given to them and through various activities as an SHG member.

Pic: Mrs. Dimsianchingi with her commercial vehicles

Full Name : R. Vanlalzuali Age : 37 Village :Reiek Village Block :Reiek RD Block Occupation: Restaurant Owner.

Early Life: R. Vanlalzuali before she joined the SHG under NRLM fold had a petty shop at Reiek village and was struggling to make ends meet. She was the only earner in her family. Life was very difficult for her and her family.

Life after SHG: R. Vanlalzuali joined as a member of Ramtiam SHG. She then took Rs. 50,000 bank loan through Financial inclusion, also she took RS. 20,000 from CIF and Rs 10,000 from group loan and started a restaurant named Green Hill Restaurant in Reiek which is a big tourist attraction in Mizoram. Today she is earning about Rs 20,000 per month. She has repaid her bank loan and has almost fully repaid her other loans. She also has a habit of saving Rs.100 every day. She now supports her family financially.and is the treasurer of Reiek VO. Testimony: When staff of MzSRLM came to Reiek for village entry, I was one of the first to join the NRLM SHG, me and my few friends formed Ramtiam SHG. I never knew being an SHG member could change my life. Now I am financially stable and my livelihood is sustainable. I would like to thank MzSRLM for giving us the opportunity to have a sustainable livelihood and also like to thank them for all the trainings imparted on us.

Pic: Green Hill Restaurant @ Reiek DeenDayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU- GKY) Empowering Rural Youths through Skilling DeenDayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) program is a flagship program of Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MzSRLM) which aims to skill rural youth through training, who are poor and provide them with regular jobs having regular monthly wages at or above the minimum wages. DDU-GKY is a Central Sponsored Scheme (CSS). A residential training is provided to youths while training under • DDU-GKY. • For greater transparency in monitoring, Aadhaar enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) has been introduced in all DDU-GKY training centres. • Guaranteed Placement for at least 70% of trained candidates and priority is given to Women and PWD under DDU-GKY. • Post Placement Support (PPS) provided to candidates through Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs). • One-time Travel Cost up to a maximum Rs 4500 per candidate or as per actual, whichever is lower is provided. • Additional incentives for Retention Support are provided to PIA for retaining every candidate employed continuously for 365 days with a break of maximum 60 days. • Also, Incentive for Higher placement of candidate is given to the PIA.

• The training cost includes mobilization of beneficiaries, curriculum, training of trainers, utilities, infrastructure, equipment, teaching aids, raw materials, Tablet, Placement Linkage, MIS & Tracking, monitoring, quality control, and live distance learning cost etc. • A payment at the rate of Rs.50/-per candidate for 12 months is provided as Mobile tracking support to the candidate for the purpose of placement tracking.

Achievement during 2019-2020: • Total no. of candidates trained: 540 • Total no. of candidates placed: 253 • 6 Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) approved by Project Approval Committee (PAC). • Awareness Campaign through IEC materials during SARAS fair at Aizawl and Champhai.

Person with Different Ability (PWD)Candidate: Name : H.Lallawmzuala Address : ChawngtlaiKhua, Khawzawl RD Block WorkPlace : Lawma Enfield, Aizawl Joiningdate : 21st March, 2020 Salary : Rs 0.6 lakhs per annum

H.Lallawmzuala hails fromChawngtlai village, Champhai District.He is a low vision (Visual Impairment) with locomotive disabilities. His father was the only bread winner for the family. Unfortunately in 2015 his father met with an accident and passed away. To make things worse his mother is also disabled and cannot move around without a wheelchair solife was very difficult for the family. When H. Lallawmzuala heard about the DDUGKY scheme under MzSRLM, he applied for DDEO (Domestic Data Entry Operator) training. He successfully completed his training and is now working full time at Lawma Enfield, a Royal Enfield showroom in Aizawl. He is now taking care of his mother and sister and is an inspiration to many.

Pic: H. Lallawmzuala @ Lawma Enfield, Aizawl.

DDU-GKY Mizoram candidates are placed across India with top employers.

Pic: Vijan Mahal (5 Star Hotel) @ Madhya Pradesh (left) Four Points by Sheraton (4 Star Hotel), Chennai (right)

Pic: Silver Sand Beach Resort (left) Residency Towers Neil Island @ Andaman & Nicobar (right)

Pic: Casino Pride @ GOA (left) Lemon Tree @ Jaipur (right)

Pic: Hotel Shawn Elizey @Jabalpur

DDUGKY trained candidates providing health care as Home Care attendants amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Pic: We Care @ Guwahati

Domino’s Pizza • There is 2 branches in Aizawl i.e.,Dawrpui&Thuampui • 15 candidates placed by eCentric Solutions Pvt. Ltd under MzSRLM (DDU-GKY) • 5 Candidates will join after Lockdown

DDU-GKY placed candidates at Dominos Pizza, Aizawl with their trainers.

Amidst the Covid 19 crisis, DDU-GKY placed candidates under Domino’s Pizza continued to cater to customers assuring zero contact delivery.

SUCCESS STORY UNDER DDU-GKY Profile:

Name : Mr.Salasingh. Address : Tuichawng, Lunglei District, Mizoram. Contact Details : 9612533998 Training Trade and PIA: Course completed : Domestic Data Entry Operator cum Customer Relationship Management from eCentric Solutions Pvt Ltd Mizoram Current Employer : SBI General Insurance Nature of Job : Operational Executive Salary : Rs. 1.8 lakhs per annum

Why this is a good Testimonial? Mr. Salasingh completed his DDEO cum CRM training course under the certification of Skill Sector Council (SSC). After completing the training, he got a job offer in 2 sectors i.e., SBI Insurance and Myntra (Bharat Facilities Pvt. Ltd). He gave an interview in SBI Insurance and while waiting for the result, he joined Myntraas as a Senior Assistant. Because of his sincerity, leadership and good communication skills he was promoted to Supervisor on the second day of work. After working for a few months, the interview result of the SBI Insurance was declared in which he was selected for the post of Operational Executive where he was offered a monthly salary of Rs. 15416/- with annual increment. He was very punctual and hardworking during his training especially in practical sessions.

Candidate’s Background: He hails from a very poor family with 4 family members. His father works as Muster Roll under Public Works Department, Mizoram which is the only source of income for their family. While pursuing his Graduation (BSc. Chemistry) he used to work as a labourer to pay for his fees and daily economical needs. When he got the information about DDU-GKY project from the mobilizer of eCentric Solutions Pvt. Ltd. He immediately took the chance to get admission and enrolled himself for cycle 3 (Batch-9).The theory and practical sessions of the training center moulded him properly to become a part of the Data Entry sector.

In His Words: I joined the Domestic Data Entry Operator cum Customer Relationship Management (CRM) training under the project of DDU-GKY at eCentric Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Training provided under DDU-GKY has helped me a lot in improving my personal and professional life. The training has given me confidence which helped me a lot in my job, communication skills and mould me to who I am today. I also want to thank MzSRLM for running such an important project for the youth of Mizoram.

Profile: Name : Ms. ZairemmawiiChenkual Address : Muthi, Aizawl District, Mizoram Contact Details : 9436190160

After DDU-GKY intervention, she has got a job in Sheraton GrandBangalore Hotel (5 star hotel) at Brigade Gateway, Bengaluru.

Training Trade and PIA: She completed a course in DomesticData Entry Operator cum Customer Relationship Management from eCentric Solutions Pvt. Ltd Mizoram

Current Employer : Sheraton Grande Bangalore Job : F&B Service Salary : Rs. 1.7 lakhs per annum

Why this is a good Testimonial? Ms. Zairemmawii Chenkual has completed her DDEO cum CRM Training course under the certification of SSC. After completing the training, she got a jobofffer in Sheraton Grande Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, Bengaluru with a monthly salary is Rs. 14563/-. She was very disciplined, modest, honest and a good behaviour during her tenure in the training. Candidate’s background: She hails from a poor family with total of 11 members. Her parents got divorced when she was only 8 years old and has to live with her Uncle. She completed her graduation from Govt. Hrangbana College, Aizawl in Psychology. When she got the information about DDU-GKY project from the mobilizer of eCentric Solutions Pvt. Ltd. She immediately took the chance to get admission and enrolled for cycle 3 (Batch-10).

In Her Words: I joined the Domestic Data Entry Operator cum Customer Relationship Management trainee batch under the project of DDU-GKY at eCentric Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Training provided under DDU-GKY by eCentric Solutions Pvt Ltd. has helped me immensely in building my confidence for which gave me a job which I have always wanted. During my course of training under DDU-GKY I gain lots of good friends and gain good amount of experience for building my future career. Thank you DDU-GKY and MzSRLM for giving an opportunity to rural youth for our better career.

Profile: Name : Ms. Nochhigia (Singapore) Address : New Latawh, Siaha District Contact Details : Ph: 9366451891 Training Trade : General Duty Assistant (GDA) PIA : Mission Foundation Movement. Current Employer: En-Hakore Job : Caregiver Salary : $ 7632 per annum

Why this is a good Testimonial? Ms.Nochhigia completed her matriculation in the year 2010 from Zasai Memorial English School,Siaha and Higher Secondary from ECM Higher Secondary School,Siaha in the year 2013. Even though she wanted to go for higher education, she was unable to continue due to financial constraints. Then she came to know about General Duty Assistant (GDA) course offered by DDU GKY. She got enrolled to the course and successfully completed the course in August, 2019. Later she then apply for Foreign Placement and to her luck, she was selected as a Caregiver under En-Hakore Agency at Singapore with a salary package of $636 per month and now she is economically independent and support her family back home. Candidate’s background: Ms.Nochhigia resides from a small district of New Latawh,Siaha District. She is the eldest among 3 siblings with a meagre family income, ‘hawkers’ being their main source of income which hardly suffices the family needs. She completed her 3 months Training course in August, 2019 and started working from September, 2019Caregiver under En-Hakore Agency at Singapore. In Her Words: “GDA course DDU-GKY, MzSRLMhnuaia ka zir hi ka hlawkpuiemem a, mahniinrintawkna ka neihphahinhnathatak ka hmuhphah a, tunahchuan sum lama harsalutuktawhlovin ka awmthei a, ka chhungtepawh ka tanpui let theitawh a, ka hlawhtlinalrh tun dinhmun ka thlentheihnachhan hi MzSRLMvangliauliau ani in ka lawmemem a ni.”. “Because of the GDA training course under DDU-GKY, MzSRLMIgained self confidence which inturn gave me the opportunity to get a decent job and now I am able to support not only myself but also my family back home. The reason behind my success and where I am now is because of MzSRLM and I am very grateful.

Other Achievements: • Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MzSRLM) got the Gold Award for Outstanding Performance in implementation of Financial Inclusion underDAY_NRLM at State Level.

• Gilead SHG of Kawrthah South under Zawlnuam RD Block was awarded National Award for “Best performing SHG”.

• Tipa D-1 Village Organization under Tipa RD Block of Siaha District was also awarded National award for “Best Performing Village Organization”.

Community Resource Person (CRP) Conclave:

• Mrs. C. Lalawmpuii, Livestock CRP from Hmuntha village, Serchhip district is selected among the top 23 best practicing CRP in India. • Her success story is highlighted in CRP-the pillars of DAY-NRLM book and released at CRP Conclave held at New Delhi during 19th-20th September, 2019.

Pic:Mrs. C. Lalawmpuii, Livestock CRP sharing her story at the conclave.

An e-book publication. Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MzSRLM) Rural Development Department Government of Mizoram