Kohima, March 27: Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton on March 26 introduced a Bill in the Assembly to establish the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), an interim administrative body proposed for the state’s eastern districts. The legislation is scheduled to be taken up for consideration and passage on March 27, Speaker Sharingain Longkumer said.
The move follows the signing of a memorandum of agreement on February 5 between the Government of India, the Nagaland government and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation, paving the way for the formation of the FNTA. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, while presenting the state Budget, described the development as significant and congratulated residents of the eastern districts, expressing gratitude to the Union government and stakeholders for enabling the agreement.
Rio said the arrangement reflects a sustained effort to enhance participation in governance and deliver measurable outcomes in the eastern districts while addressing broader public aspirations. He noted that the government had been working to expedite the formation of the interim body, culminating in the tabling of the Bill during the ongoing Assembly session.
The Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs 100.57 crore for the proposed authority, describing it as a proportional allocation from the state’s divisible development fund after accounting for statewide commitments.
Explaining the timing of the Bill, Rio said its introduction was slightly delayed due to the late presentation of the Budget. He added that consultations with the Centre are required under the agreement, and the state government has written to the Union Home Secretary seeking the same.
The draft legislation was prepared by the state’s law and justice department, incorporating provisions of the agreement and finalised based on the advice of the Advocate General. Despite no formal response from the Centre so far, the government proceeded with introducing the Bill, citing its commitment to timelines assured to stakeholders.
The proposed Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority is viewed as a key step in addressing long-standing demands from six eastern districts represented by the ENPO, which has sought a separate administrative arrangement citing concerns over neglect and underdevelopment.
