Kohima: Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton called on former legislators to transcend party lines and push for Naga reconciliation. Thirty-one members of the Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland met at the Nagaland Police Complex in Chumoukedima on November 11. Patton urged these leaders to use their expertise to influence public affairs. He reminded them that state unity remains the only path to a lasting political settlement.
"We cannot expect lasting peace if we remain divided among ourselves," Patton said. He confirmed that the state government acts as a facilitator in talks between the Centre and Naga political groups rather than a direct negotiator.
Former members including I Imkong and C John Konyak emphasized that the association spans Congress, NPF, BJP, and independent backgrounds. They urged colleagues to provide non-partisan advice to the government. John Konyak proposed renaming the group to emphasize the term former legislators.
Former speaker Neiba Ndang presented a report comparing benefits in neighboring states. Nagaland currently pays a basic monthly pension of 60,000 rupees with a 3,000 rupee term increment. Other states offer higher ceilings and additional perks, such as the 85,000 rupee cap in Arunachal Pradesh or the 50,000 rupee medical allowance in Assam. The association formally requested to increase the 25,000 rupee ex gratia for deceased members to 2 lakh rupees. They also seek the release of a 1 lakh rupee medical grant and a boost to the 15,000 rupee natural calamity aid. Patton promised to bring these demands to the Cabinet for review.
Dr. Chumben Murry noted that Nagaland has elected over 300 members since statehood. Roughly 200 of those individuals have passed away.
Updated at 12th November 2026 at 6:15pm
Patton noted that welfare proposals require scrutiny based on the state's financial health and formal procedures. He urged members to study the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme and use its empanelled hospitals. Regarding security, the Deputy Chief Minister said that protection for former officials would remain tied to standard assessments and rules.
Former member I. Imkong pushed for a Rs 25,000 monthly medical allowance, arguing that the existing insurance plan covers hospital bills but fails to help with recurring costs for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Imkong also noted this was the first time a Deputy Chief Minister has attended a general body meeting of the group.
The association’s study of regional benefits included data from Mizoram, where former legislators receive government-funded medical treatment anywhere in India, including travel costs. The report also detailed existing Nagaland perks, such as access to state guest houses and security details. The association now wants to form a cross-state platform for former legislators across the Northeast to standardize these benefits.
Comments