CDVCA backs ‘One Govt, One Tax’; urges GoI to strictly enforce CFGR

In a significant development, 56 village councils under Chümoukedima district have formed the Chümoukedima District Village Councils’ Association (CDVCA) which was renamed after erstwhile Chümoukedima Area Village Chairmen Association (CAVCA) formed in 2015.
Briefing media, CDVCA spokesperson Sebastian Zumvü disclosed that the association adopted several resolutions among which were a call on Nagas for ‘One Government. One Tax’; urging government of India to strictly implement and review Cease Fire Ground Rules (CFGR) etc.
The decision was made during a closed-door meeting held at the Chümoukedima Village Council hall, where 195 village representatives, including Village Council chairmen, Head Gaonburas, GBs, and other stakeholders from across the district attended the meeting.
As per the resolution, Razouvotuo Chatsu, Village Council Chairman of Chümoukedima and former president of the Angami Public Organization, has been appointed as the interim convenor of CDVCA. Vika H. Chishi, Village Council member of Unity Village Council, as secretary and Sebastian Zumvu as spokesperson of the association. An eight-member advisory committee comprising senior and experienced leaders was also constituted to guide the interim body.
Sebastian Zumvu informed that the association will represent all the villages in the district. It will operate under an interim body until the tenure of the existing village councils concludes in March 2026.
CDVCA passed a series of resolutions targeting key administrative and developmental gaps within the district.
Reiterating its support for the “One Government, One Tax” policy, the forum condemned multiple taxation imposed by underground groups. It stated that such practices place undue financial burdens on village communities and must be curbed.
CDVCA also voiced strong concern over the misuse of ceasefire agreements. It alleged that designated offices of Naga political groups were increasingly being used as safe havens for illegal activities, including extortion. The association urged the Government of India to strictly enforce ceasefire ground rules and put in place robust monitoring mechanisms.
On the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, CDVCA expressed appreciation for its implementation but criticized the recently introduced online system as being inconvenient and not user-friendly for guarantors. The association called for the reintroduction of offline processing and recommended the creation of a separate ILP category for agricultural labourers, extending permit validity from 90 days to one year.
CDVCA has placed on record its sincere appreciation of the state government’s initiative to uphold and streamline Naga customary laws through the notification of Part 4(A) of the Rules for Administration of Justice & Police in Nagaland (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2025.
The association resolved to formally request the government to urgently consider the concerns raised by the Nagaland Bar Association vis-à-vis the Fifth Amendment.
CDVCA further urged the government to expedite the framing of clear rules for the appointment of the Presiding Officer and the two other members of the District Customary Courts, including procedural guidelines for court functioning. It also requested that preference be given to retired Dobashis and respected GBs in filling up vacancies in the district customary courts.
Legal advisor Hukavi also emphasized the historical relevance of the 1937 Rules for administration of justice, welcoming the notification of Chapter 4A, which facilitates the formal operation of customary courts. He urged the state government to formulate specific rules for proper implementation.
The association also passed a resolution demanding the abolition of the Village Development Board (VDB) Secretaries’ Association, arguing that VDB Secretaries should function under the direct supervision of Village Councils to promote greater transparency and administrative accountability.
The house urged the Rural Development department to immediately post a Project Director in Chümoukedima district for effective and faster implementation of rural development schemes.
Similarly, the School Education Department was urged to appoint a District Education Officer (DEO) based in the district to address educational concerns at the local level.
Responding to media queries over alleged wage deductions from MGNREGA job card holders, Zumvu clarified that direct beneficiary transfers (DBT) were being implemented, and deductions, if any, were made only after prior consultation and consent from the beneficiaries. In some cases, he explained, funds were pooled to hire machinery or alternative labour when job card holders could not perform the required physical work. He affirmed that no official complaints had been received regarding the practice in his jurisdiction.
Raising concerns over poor road conditions, CDVCA convenor Rozouvotuo Chatsu criticized the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) for negligence in maintaining roadways. He cited multiple accidents and fatalities caused by deteriorating highway conditions and called on the state government to pressure the corporation for urgent repairs.
Responding to media queries about alleged wage deductions from MGNREGA beneficiaries, spokesperson Sebastian Zumvu clarified that all wage transfers are made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). He said deductions were made only after consultation and consent from job card holders, often to hire machinery or alternate labour when beneficiaries were unable to perform manual work. He maintained that no official complaints had been received within his jurisdiction.
The advisors of CDVA include– Zhato Kimho, president of Chakhroma Public Organization and VCC of Piphema A, Ghuzhi Shohe VCC of Diphupar, Reyopoyi Nyekha, VCC of Naga United Village; Dejiraj Giriso, Head GB of Dhansiripar; Tokishe Assumi, GB of Thilixu; Charlie Sekhose, VCC of 5th Mile Model; L.K. Swu, Head GB of Pimla and Adv. Hukavi Zhimomi, VCC of Chekiye as legal advisor.