Nagaland seeks enhanced legal infrastructure support from Centre

The state government has sought enhanced legal infrastructure support from the central government.
Meeting Union Minister for Law & Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal at his office in Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi, state’s principal secretary for Law & Justice Y Kikheto Sema urged the minister to enhance the quota of notary publics in Nagaland from the existing 200 to 400 under Rule 8(4A) of the Notaries Rules, 1956. He highlighted that while the original quota of 200 was allotted during statehood in 1963 when Nagaland had just three districts and a population of 3.7 lakh, the state now comprised of 20 districts with an estimated population of 22.58 lakh, creating a substantial demand for notarial services.
In response, Meghwal and additional secretary (legal affairs) Ashutosh Mishra assured that the proposal would be duly considered and necessary amendment to the rules could be expected within two months.
Sema also drew attention to the long-pending high court building project in Nagaland, noting that the state might be the only one yet to receive central funding for such a project. Despite financial constraints, he said the state government had already invested Rs 242 crore, but an additional Rs 299 crore was needed to complete the construction.
In response, the minister conveyed to him that the matter had been taken up with the Ministry of Finance, expressing hope for its consideration in the current financial year.
Furthermore, Sema requested central funding support for the construction of new district courts at Nuiland, Tseminyu, and Shamator, where land acquisition had recently been approved by the state government. He also sought early release of funds for the ongoing construction of district courts at Mon and Noklak, and for various other district-level projects.
Meghwal and joint secretary (justice) Gaurav Masaldan assured that these requests would be considered, subject to the completion of requisite procedures and compliance with the SNA-SPARSH system, which had been recently introduced by the central government for the release of Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) funds.
The meeting was held in continuation of the commitments made by the Union Minister during his visits to Nagaland on October 22, 2024, and April 12 this year. This was stated in a DIPR press release.