The legislation seeks a special administrative framework for eastern Nagaland, with a focus on development, decentralised governance and greater funding for the region
Dimapur: The Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the revised Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill, 2026, paving the way for a special administrative arrangement for the state’s six eastern districts.
The bill was passed on the second day of the ninth session of the 14th Nagaland Assembly after the earlier version was deferred on March 27 amid concerns over the proposed powers and functions of the authority.
The revised legislation covers Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak and Shamator, with provisions aimed at addressing developmental gaps in roads, education, healthcare, employment and infrastructure.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the FNTA was intended to promote decentralised governance while addressing the social, economic, educational, cultural and linguistic aspirations of people in eastern Nagaland.
Rio said the state government had worked with the Centre, Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and other stakeholders to address legal and constitutional concerns. He reiterated that safeguards under Article 371(A) of the Constitution would remain protected.
The chief minister also said the government had sought an increase in the proposed special developmental grant from Rs 5,000 crore to a minimum of Rs 10,000 crore.
Under the bill, the FNTA will prepare annual plans and formulate development programmes based on grassroots-level needs. Funding from the state will consider population and geographical size, while the Centre will provide special development grants based on regional requirements.
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