Kohima: The 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly passed the Right to Public Services Bill, 2026, during its 9th session in Kohima. Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio moved the legislation to mandate strict timelines for public service delivery. The state aims to end long delays and restore trust in the government.
The law covers all government civil servants, including those on deputation. It also binds local bodies and authorities receiving full or partial state funding. Short-term workers and staff governed by specific constitutional terms remain exempt from these new rules.
"The Government of Nagaland is committed to establishing a citizen-centric administrative framework that ensures efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness in the delivery of essential public services," the bill stated. Every eligible citizen now holds a legal right to receive notified services within set deadlines.
Failure to comply carries consequences. The act creates a two-tier appellate system and authorizes penalties for defaults. Appellate authorities can now issue summons and demand documentation to settle grievances. Officials will have a right to a fair hearing before any penalty sticks. The law also blocks civil court intervention, protects good-faith actions, and requires that all new rules be presented to the Assembly.
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