Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is doubling down on state identity. He wants better enforcement of the Inner Line Permit system. Rio says village councils must lead this effort alongside public institutions. He insists that constitutional protections under Article 371A and the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 keep Naga traditions alive.
Village councils hold the power. Only they can verify who belongs in a village. While non-locals have the right to work and live here, the chief minister is clear on one point: "They cannot be granted indigenous status." Landlords and employers must keep tight records to stop people from misusing certificates.
The state faces a major census task in 2027. Rio warned that previous counts had inflated numbers. This warped welfare planning and resource distribution. He needs churches, village councils, and every citizen to get the numbers right this time. Accurate data keeps development on track.
Traditional governance stays the priority. Rio prefers consensus over elections in villages. He claims voting breeds division, while the traditional model builds unity. He spoke while opening the new Kohima Village Multipurpose Building. This structure stands as a hub for cultural events across the state. The state government pledged more cash to outfit the venue with sound systems and furniture.
Economic independence remains a goal. The government is pushing skill development and micro-financing for young entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme already covers 1.7 lakh people. The state has dropped over 228 crore rupees on cashless medical care so far. Residents need to step up and enroll.
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