Key administrative and infrastructure issues were discussed during the second day of ongoing Assembly session, with members seeking clarity from the government on Sadar areas, posting of officers and progress of national highway works.
Sadar areas and urban governance: Replying to a starred question raised by NPP legislator Nuklutoshi on the issue of Sadar areas, chief minister Neiphiu Rio clarified that the term “Sadar” denotes urban centres with high population density and significant economic activity, where the administrative authority is empowered to issue land pattas. He explained that under Article 371(A), Nagaland is exempt from the 73rd Constitutional Amendment relating to the Panchayati Raj system, as land and its resources belong to the people. As a result, the governance structure in urban areas differs from that of villages.
Earlier, Nuklutoshi noted that since the establishment of Mokokchung as a district headquarters, there has been no Sadar administrative jurisdiction, and sought to know whether the government would consider introducing one in Mokokchung and other districts where it is absent.
Rio said concerns had been raised, including by the Home department, regarding customary laws, traditions and the role of Gaonburas. At present, there is no provision for Gaonburas to function in towns, and separate laws govern urban areas, development bodies and village funds.
He stated that any area wishing to adopt the Sadar framework and undergo cadastral survey for land pattas may do so with community consent, while adding that further study was required, particularly regarding the proposed implementation of the SARFAESI Act, 2002.
Deputy chief minister, in-charge of home, Y Patton, also participating in the discussion, informed the House that Nagaland currently has 15 Sadar areas, created to demarcate district headquarters where key offices function under the Deputy Commissioner’s supervision. He said that among the 17 districts, Chümoukedima and Mokokchung have not submitted proposals for Sadar status. He urged Mokokchung to forward a proposal, assuring that the government would examine it accordingly.
Officer posting in Changtongya: Raising another starred question, NPP legislator Nuklutoshi said Changtongya sub division has been without an SDO Civil for the past eight months despite repeated appeals. He expressed concern that some young officers were unwilling to remain at their assigned postings and said it was unfair for officials to stay only in Kohima and Dimapur without discharging duties elsewhere. He stressed that officers should tour their districts to gain field experience and sought to know why no action had been taken.
Replying in the House, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Y Patton said an SDO Civil posted in Angjangyang under Mon district on September 30, 2025 could not be relieved as his replacement had not joined, adding that the P&AR department was examining the matter.
NH-2 Doyang-Izheto stretch: The condition and progress of the KM 101 to 125 stretch of NH 2 between Doyang and Izheto came under discussion in the Assembly, with NPF MLA Tongpang Ozukum drawing attention to the difficulties faced by commuters. He urged the government to direct the contractor to ensure that the road is at least made motorable before the onset of the monsoon.
Replying as minister in charge of PWD (National Highways), deputy chief minister TR Zeliang said the project has recorded 42.47 per cent physical progress and 41.38 per cent financial progress. He informed that the NH 2 stretch from Kohima to Wokha up to the Doyang River has already been completed.
The total project length is 24 km, with a designed length of 19.315 km. The contractor, Kaushal Sharma of Tinsukia, Assam, was appointed on June 18, 2024 with a completion target of June 2026. Work was delayed due to landowner objections and resumed only in November. About 1.5 km remains affected by compensation issues, which the department is pursuing with the district administration.