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FNTA Bill Tabled in Nagaland Assembly, ₹100 Cr Grant

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Kohima
  • Mar 26, 2026
  • 7

The Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority Bill, 2026 was formally introduced in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday, with Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton presenting the proposed legislation.

In his budget address, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced an allocation of ₹100.57 crore under “Grants to FNTA,” clarifying that the figure excludes contributions drawn from the common pool.

The introduction of the bill follows the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on February 5 in New Delhi between the Government of India, the Nagaland government, and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), aimed at addressing the aspirations and developmental concerns of eastern Nagaland.

Addressing the media, Rio stated that the proposed legislation substantially incorporates the provisions outlined in the MoA. However, he pointed out that despite formally seeking consultations with the Union Home Secretary—as mandated under the agreement—the state has not received any response from the Centre.

He reiterated that while the bill remains broadly aligned with the MoA, certain matters had been duly communicated to the Union government in accordance with its provisions, but no feedback has been received thus far. The Chief Minister added that the decision to introduce the bill was taken following legal consultation with the state’s Law and Justice Department and the Advocate General.

Rio further noted that the state government had assured ENPO of introducing and passing the bill during the მიმდინარე Assembly session, with the legislation scheduled for detailed deliberation on Friday.

Referring to his interaction with the Union Home Secretary, Rio indicated that the Centre is inclined towards expediting the process. He also revealed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to inaugurate the FNTA, likely in April.

Meanwhile, Finance Commissioner Kesonyü Yhome explained that the ₹100.57 crore allocation would effectively translate to just over 30 percent once adjusted against the common pool mechanism. He further clarified that, as stipulated in the MoA, financial grants to the FNTA region are structured in proportion to its geographical expanse and population.