KOHIMA, March 4: The Nagaland government will introduce the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill in the ongoing Assembly session, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced on Tuesday, expressing hope that the legislation would be passed during the current sitting.
Replying to the discussion on the Governor’s Address, Rio said the proposed Bill would incorporate provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on February 5, 2026, between the Government of India, the state government and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) for the constitution of the FNTA.
The chief minister stated that the MoA fulfils the aspirations of the people of Eastern Nagaland while safeguarding the core interests of the state. He underlined that the agreement is based on four key principles — no division of Nagaland, no separate state or Union Territory, no Sixth Schedule status, and no amendment to Article 371A.
While the Governor would have special responsibility over the FNTA area as demanded by ENPO, Rio clarified that legislative, executive and financial powers would continue to vest with the state government. He also assured that the arrangement would not impact the ongoing Naga political negotiations.
On the broader Naga political issue, Rio reiterated that the negotiations are between the Government of India and Naga political groups, and that the role of the state government remains that of an “active facilitator.” He highlighted the formation of a Political Affairs Committee (PAC) comprising ministers, elected representatives from all tribes, political party members and Members of Parliament to help create a conducive environment for an early and honourable solution.
Rio informed the House that a high-level state delegation met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 5, reiterating a four-point resolution adopted at a consultative meeting on September 12, 2024, attended by 61 organisations and endorsed by 226 signatories. The resolution urged the Centre to elevate the peace talks to the political or ministerial level by appointing an interlocutor with a political mandate.
According to Rio, the Union Home Minister responded positively and indicated that a Minister of State for Home Affairs, along with a senior official, would be appointed to engage at the political level. The PAC, he added, will continue consultations with Naga political groups and civil society organisations to expedite the peace process.
The chief minister also stressed the importance of proper conduct of the 2027 Census, announcing a detailed briefing session for legislators and party functionaries on March 11, 2026.
Addressing teacher rationalisation, Rio admitted that anomalies arose due to past census discrepancies and the implementation of the Right to Education Act, resulting in schools with minimal enrolment but surplus teachers. The School Education department has been directed to revisit such cases, he said.
Reiterating zero tolerance towards extortion and criminal activities, Rio called for strengthening agricultural marketing through the Nagaland State Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing Board to improve market linkages and ensure price protection for farmers. He acknowledged the need for further reforms to secure better returns for cultivators.
On the long-pending Foothill Road project, he said progress depends on availability of land and forest clearances, and directed deputy commissioners to engage with stakeholders to resolve pending issues.
Expressing concern over rising unemployment and the gap between education and employability, Rio said the government has launched micro-financing initiatives and skill development programmes. He urged youth to explore entrepreneurship and private sector opportunities instead of relying solely on government jobs.
He also informed the House that the Vikshit Bharat Guarantee Rozgar Aajeevika Mission will replace MGNREGA from April 1, 2026, enhancing guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days per household with a focus on water security, rural infrastructure and climate resilience works.
The chief minister further announced that an Artificial Intelligence school — the fourth of its kind in the country — was recently inaugurated in Kohima, encouraging institutions across the state to adopt emerging technologies such as AI and forensic data analysis.
