Kohima, 3rd September 2026 (Nokinketer News): Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said the proposed Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) would bridge long-standing developmental gaps in Eastern Nagaland and ensure accelerated, inclusive and equitable growth while safeguarding the state’s unity and constitutional framework.
Replying to the discussion on the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill, 2026, during the Ninth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly at the Assembly Hall here, Rio said the proposed authority had been conceived as a unique self-governing territorial institution to fulfil the social, economic, educational, cultural and linguistic aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland through democratic and decentralised governance within the State.
He noted that the six districts of Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak and Shamator had continued to face developmental deficits owing to historical and geographical constraints, making a special institutional mechanism necessary to address the region’s long-standing challenges.
The Chief Minister said the State Government, in close consultation with the Government of India, the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) and other stakeholders, had worked to address the legal and constitutional issues surrounding the proposed legislation. He reiterated that the constitutional safeguards provided under Article 371(A) would remain fully protected and unaffected.
Rio also disclosed that the State Government had requested the Centre to enhance the proposed Special Development Grant for the FNTA from ₹5,000 crore to at least ₹10,000 crore to accelerate infrastructure development, economic growth and overall progress in Eastern Nagaland.
He said funding for the authority would be based on the region’s population and geographical size, with the State Government making allocations while the Centre would provide additional financial support through Special Development Grants in line with the developmental needs of the region. The FNTA, he added, would prepare its own annual plans and formulate development programmes based on grassroots priorities.
Describing the establishment of the FNTA as a historic milestone, Rio said the new authority would go a long way in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland. He emphasised that the FNTA was not merely an administrative arrangement but a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to equitable development, inclusive governance and shared progress for all sections of Nagaland.
Concluding the debate, the Chief Minister commended the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority Bill, 2026, to the House for consideration and passage.
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