Kohima, April 11: Neiphiu Rio on Friday asked district administrators to balance their traditional responsibilities with an increased focus on development, citing changing administrative demands in Nagaland.
Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at the Civil Secretariat in Kohima, Rio said core duties such as maintaining law and order, revenue administration, elections, and census operations remain “fundamental and non-negotiable.” He added that the role of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) has expanded to include implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes, disaster management, grievance redressal, and inter-departmental coordination.
Rio stated that the role of DCs has shifted from being primarily regulatory to more facilitative and development-oriented, with emphasis on last-mile delivery and citizen-centric governance supported by technology.
He referred to several initiatives, including the Nagaland Staff Selection Board aimed at transparent recruitment, and the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative for livelihood support. He also highlighted the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission, which targets sectors such as construction, hospitality, transport, and information technology.
According to the Chief Minister, more than 73,000 youth are currently listed in the Live Register. He said job fairs and partnerships are being used to enhance employment opportunities. Under the Nagaland Japan Connect 2026 programme, 450 candidates have registered, of whom 65 have received recruitment intents.
Rio pointed to low participation in the health sector, stating that only 193 out of 1,553 registered doctors applied during recruitment conducted during the COVID-19 period.
He also raised concerns regarding the state’s financial position following recommendations of the Finance Commission of India, noting a decline in central tax devolution and the absence of Revenue Deficit Grants for the 2026–31 period. He said the state would need to increase its own revenue and adopt austerity measures.
On the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), Rio referred to notifications issued in September 2024 clarifying the issuance of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates. He directed DCs to ensure strict verification of claims through Village and Tribal Councils.
Highlighting the upcoming 2027 Census, he said it would be India’s first fully digital census, with houselisting scheduled from July 1 to 30, 2026. He stressed the need for accuracy in data collection, calling it essential for governance and planning.
Rio also referred to the Inner Line Permit system, the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, and the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority, stating that DCs play a key role in their implementation.
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen said the conference is addressing issues including census preparation, waste management, matters related to the National Green Tribunal, customary courts, skill development, land laws, and infrastructure. He added that the second day of the conference will focus on RIIN, Inner Line Permit, border issues, and the vision of “Viksit Nagaland for Viksit Bharat 2047.”
