Aizawl: The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Friday accused the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government of poor financial management and a lack of a coherent economic policy, claiming that despite the state budget more than doubling in nine years, money was not reaching the common people.

Addressing a political session here, senior MPCC vice-president Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said Mizoram’s budget had increased from Rs 8,803.10 crore in 2017-18, when Congress was in power, to Rs 17,469.91 crore in 2026-27.

“Despite this, shopkeepers in Aizawl are finding it difficult to sell their goods as there is very little money circulating in the market,” he said.

Chuaungo alleged that the government’s failure to properly plan and utilise public funds had contributed to the uneven circulation of money in the state.

He also questioned the use of restricted tenders and departmental works, saying that despite 1,649 registered contractors under PWD, the government had awarded 207 contracts through restricted tenders and undertaken 689 works departmentally.

The Congress leader alleged that large projects were being concentrated among a small number of people, while the wider public was deprived of the benefits of government spending.

He also criticised what he termed excessive use of restricted tenders, claiming that blanket approvals had been issued despite Chief Minister Lalduhoma earlier stating that such tenders should be used only in exceptional circumstances.

He further criticised the implementation of the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS), alleging that its shortcomings were resulting in substantial public money being spent outside the state and contributing to reduced circulation of money within Mizoram.

Chuaungo also criticised the government for not adopting policies that would give preference to locally produced goods and services, claiming this was hurting job creation and economic activity.

“What we need now is to ensure that our youth get jobs and adequate opportunities to work. With the blessings of God and the people, when Congress returns to power, we will implement better economic policies and programmes that benefit the common people,” he said.

Despite repeated attempts, officials and leaders of the ZPM could not be contacted for comments.