Kohima, April 10 Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday called on district administrators to balance traditional responsibilities with an evolving, development-oriented governance role.
Delivering the keynote address during the inaugural session of the two-day Deputy Commissioners (DCs) Conference at the Civil Secretariat here, Rio said the conference comes at a crucial time to reflect on both the core and emerging functions of DCs in a rapidly changing administrative landscape.
He reiterated that maintaining law and order, revenue administration, conduct of elections, and census operations remain "fundamental and non-negotiable".
However, he noted that the role of DCs has significantly expanded over time, now encompassing the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes, disaster management, grievance redressal, and inter-departmental coordination.
"The position has evolved from being regulatory to facilitative and development-oriented, with a strong focus on last-mile delivery," he said.
Emphasising citizen-centric governance, Rio highlighted that administration today is increasingly technology-driven and outcome-oriented, placing DCs at the forefront of service delivery.
He stressed the need to strike a balance between maintaining law and order and promoting development administration.
Highlighting key reforms, Rio pointed to the establishment of the Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) to ensure transparency and meritocracy in recruitment. He also underlined initiatives such as the Chief Minister's Micro Finance Initiative aimed at improving livelihoods.
On skill development, he said the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission has shifted towards a demand-driven and outcome-based approach aligned with sectors like construction, hospitality, transport, and IT-enabled services.
Rio said that over 73,000 applicants are currently registered in the Live Register, with efforts ongoing to link training with employment through job fairs and partnerships. He added that more than 450 youth have registered under the Nagaland Japan Connect 2026 initiative, with 65 candidates already receiving recruitment intent across sectors.
In the health sector, Rio flagged low participation in public recruitment despite adequate registered manpower. Out of 1,553 doctors under the Nagaland Medical Council, only 193 had applied during COVID-19 recruitment, he noted.
On the financial front, the chief minister expressed concern over the state's fiscal position following the 16th Finance Commission recommendations, citing a decline in central tax share and absence of Revenue Deficit Grants for 2026–31. He warned of rising deficits and stressed the need for revenue augmentation and austerity measures.
Addressing the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), Rio said fresh notifications issued in September 2024 provide clear criteria for issuing Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates (IICs). He emphasised the role of Village Councils and Tribal Councils in verifying indigeneity and urged DCs to ensure strict scrutiny before issuing certificates.
He underscored that traditional institutions remain integral to governance in Nagaland and called for close coordination with these bodies for inclusive decision-making.
Highlighting the importance of the upcoming Census, Rio said the 2027 exercise will be India's first fully digital census, with houselisting scheduled from July 1–30, 2026, and population enumeration in early 2027.
He cautioned against inaccuracies, noting that past discrepancies have affected planning and resource allocation. "The Census is not merely a headcount but the foundation of governance," he said, urging DCs, as Principal Census Officers, to ensure transparency and credibility.
The chief minister also touched upon issues related to Inner Line Permit (ILP), the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), and the proposed Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), while urging administrators to act as "drivers of transformation".
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen said the extended conference was convened in view of the upcoming Census and to deliberate on broader governance and development issues.
The conference featured discussions on solid waste management, National Green Tribunal matters, customary court amendments, skilling initiatives, land acquisition laws, and infrastructure development.
The second day will focus on RIIN, ILP, border affairs, and a session on “Viksit Nagaland for Viksit Bharat 2047,” along with a State-level conference on Census 2027.