Nagaland Officials Overhaul Money Lenders Act to Curb Predatory Debt

Kohima: Nagaland officials gathered at the SIRD Conference Hall in Kohima on July 17, 2026, to tighten rules on predatory debt. The Nagaland State Commission for Women, working with the Social Welfare Department and the National Commission for Women, hosted the state level consultation to review the 2005 Money Lenders Act. The meeting focused on fixing legal loopholes and punishing unregistered lenders.

Organizers want to stop the cycle of debt. They hope to turn credit into an economic tool instead of a financial trap. Officials are drafting amendments to hold lenders accountable and protect the rights of citizens, especially women across the state.

Experts led technical sessions on the current law. Neiko Akami of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority discussed legal gaps, while Dr. Riku Khutso addressed implementation challenges. Kekhriengulie from the Department of Law and Justice talked about coordination. Dr. Rosemary Dzüvichü of the Naga Mothers’ Association focused on the "Relevance to Women’s Rights, frequent complaints- Reforms." The state plans to enforce stricter monitoring to ensure all registered lenders follow ethical guidelines.