The Need for Governance Reforms, Constitutional Mandates, and Decentralized Development Planning through Legislative, Executive, and Financial Autonomy: A Case Study of the Proposed Frontier Nagaland Territory
By Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Assistant Professor, Tetso College, Dimapur, Nagaland
(This paper was presented on 14th November 2024 at a regional program organized by the Student’s Christian Movement of India (Nagaland) on the theme “Equity in Focus: Overcoming Development Challenges in Nagaland,” held at the Youth Oasis Centre, Eralibill, Dimapur, Nagaland.)
“In the shadows of doubt, let courage ignite,
For every storm births a clearer light.
Rise with purpose, unyielding and strong,
For those who dare, belong where they long.”
Aniruddha
The demand for the creation of Frontier Nagaland, encompassing the districts of Eastern Nagaland, has gained significant momentum in recent years due to the region’s persistent socio-economic-political challenges. Despite its rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources, Eastern Nagaland remains one of the most underdeveloped regions in India. Poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited or no access to basic services such as healthcare and education have left local communities feeling evidently marginalized. Geographic isolation, with many areas far removed from the state capital in Kohima, has further compounded these issues, leading to a growing call for a distinct administrative entity that would better address the region’s unique needs.
The need for Frontier Nagaland Territory, as advocated by the Eastern Naga people, seeks to empower local communities by granting greater legislative, executive, and financial autonomy within the administrative sphere of Frontier Nagaland Territory proposed to be established in the state of Nagaland. Currently, the state of Nagaland operates under Article 371A of the Indian Constitution, which provides the region with special provisions concerning land ownership, cultural practices, and resource management. While Article 371A has allowed for the protection of local traditions, advocates for Frontier Nagaland argue that its benefits have not adequately addressed the region’s pressing developmental concerns. They contend that the region requires more direct control over governance to ensure that local priorities are met and justice is served to the deprived eastern naga people.
A key demand from the grassroot is that legislative autonomy would enable local communities to pass laws more aligned with their cultural and socio-economic needs. At present, centralizing decision-making in Kohima often allegedly delays or dilutes efforts to address the unique challenges of these communities. Expanding legislative powers to local administration of the proposed FNT would effectively empower them to address issues related to land, resource management and usage, and preservation of customs, which are crucial to ensuring a self-sustained growth path. With such power, local administration of proposed FNT could create regulations that directly support local industries, such as agriculture, handicrafts, and eco-tourism, fostering economic resilience, ensuring social justice and preserving cultural identity.
Executive autonomy is another essential aspect of the proposed reforms. In the current governance structure, decision-making power is centralized in Kohima, geographically, administratively, psychologically and emotionally far from the communities-The Eastern Nagas-it directly affects. This centralization has often led to inefficiencies in governance and delays in implementing critical development projects. By granting administration of FNT executive powers, decision-making could be expedited, with responses more attuned to the region’s specific needs. With executive control, the local government of FNT could take direct charge of implementing essential infrastructure projects, improving healthcare facilities, and developing schools-initiatives that would directly uplift quality of life and economic opportunities-ensuring socio-economic-political justice in the region.
Financial autonomy is also critical. At present, funding for local development is controlled by the state government, leading to alleged delays and alleged potential misallocation. Financial autonomy would facilitate the establishment of a regional development fund managed locally, enabling funds to reach the areas most in need. This structure would increase transparency and accountability as local FNT administration would bear direct responsibility for fund allocation, project outcomes, enhancing trust within the community. Furthermore, financial control would allow communities to prioritize projects critical to their well-being, such as infrastructure, social services, civic amenities and economic development.
Village Development Boards (VDBs) could become pivotal institutions under a reformed governance structure. These boards currently serve as intermediaries between the state government and local communities but are limited by resource constraints and restricted authority. Expanding their roles under a Frontier Nagaland Territory framework could empower them to address development needs on a village-by-village basis, bridging economic divides and fostering community-led initiatives. By involving local voices and resources in the planning process, the VDBs could drive culturally appropriate, sustainable growth that is truly aligned with the community’s aspirations.
Article 371A provides the constitutional foundation and necessary legal fundamentals for the changes that grassroot people of Eastern Nagaland demand in Frontier Nagaland Territory. Article 371A has preserved local land rights and cultural practices, but advocates believe expanding its interpretation could grant additional legislative, executive, and financial powers. By allowing local Eastern Naga communities more control over regional resources and policies, Frontier Nagaland Territory could establish a governance model that respects local customs while ensuring modern, efficient governance and administration. Such a framework would not only allow for sustainable self-governance but could also set a precedent for other development deficit tribal regions in India seeking to achieve self-governance, socio-political-economic justice, sustainable growth and cultural preservation.
The creation of Frontier Nagaland Territory, with enhanced governance through legislative, executive, and financial autonomy, presents a powerful solution to the region’s persistent developmental challenges. Decentralized governance would allow for legislation and programs that align with the aspirations of Eastern Nagaland’s communities, ensuring that projects and policies genuinely reflect local priorities. Enhanced autonomy could lead to a new, inclusive growth model that enables Eastern Nagaland to chart its own path to prosperity and cultural preservation. With these reforms, the people of Eastern Nagaland could look forward to a future that balances tradition and progress, fostering a region that is both resilient and self-reliant.
In the pursuit of autonomy, the Frontier Nagaland Territory is embracing a vision of self-governance and respect for its unique identity. As John F. Kennedy once said, “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” The push for legislative, executive, and financial autonomy within the administrative sphere of FNT embodies this purpose, striving to give the people of Eastern Nagaland the direction needed to foster a future where governance truly reflects their needs and aspirations.
Reflecting on the power of governance reforms, we might also recall the words of Benjamin Franklin: “Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” This sentiment underscores the urgency behind Frontier Nagaland Territory’s demand for legislative, executive and financial autonomy. Advocates argue that justice in governance means that decisions affecting Eastern Nagaland should be made by those who intimately understand its struggles and potential.
Additionally, James Baldwin’s insight speaks to the heart of the issue: “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” Proponents believe that facing these governance and developmental issues head-on is the first step toward creating a more inclusive and effective governance model. By embracing autonomy, the people of Eastern Nagaland are confronting longstanding challenges, showing resilience and hope in the face of decades of systemic neglect.
Finally, the vision for Frontier Nagaland Territory reflects the resilience and iron determination of its people, echoing Eleanor Roosevelt’s words, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” For advocates of Frontier Nagaland Territory, the dream of a self-reliant and empowered community is not just a vision but a commitment-a step toward a future where local governance, social justice, cultural preservation, political empowerment and modern development coexist harmoniously.
O Frontier Nagaland, rise!
O Frontier Nagaland, fierce land of the free,
In every hill, in every breeze, your strength calls out to me.
Your rivers thunder, forests roar, no chains can hold you down,
With pride as old as mountain stone, we rise on sacred ground.
Through dawns and storms, in shadows deep, your fire fuels our souls,
O land of might and timeless dreams, in you we are made whole.
O Frontier Nagaland, rise high, our heart, our song,
With courage fierce, we march as one, unbowed, unbroken, strong.
Your skies reach far, your valleys deep, your mountains touch the sun,
In every beat, in every breath, justice we have won.
O land of heroes, bold and brave, your tales ignite our flame,
Each step upon your soil we take is bound to your great name.
The land of lions, the brave children of India shall never surrender,
With every scar, with every step, our pledge burns ever stronger.
On this day, the festival of light, we vow to shine anew,
To illuminate each corner bright, with golden light for you,
Our Mother Frontier Nagaland, our own land proud and true.
O Frontier Nagaland, rise high, our heart, our song,
With courage fierce, we march as one, unbowed, unbroken, strong.
Your skies reach far, your valleys deep, your mountains touch the sun,
In every beat, in every breath, our justice we have won.
O land of hope, where hearts are one, we rise and hold our ground,
With strength unyielding, souls bound together, in you our strength is found.
O Frontier Nagaland, rise high, our heart, our song,
With courage fierce, we march as one, unbowed, unbroken, strong.
Your skies reach far, your valleys deep, your mountains touch the sun,
In every beat, in every breath, justice
has begun.
– Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Assistant Professor, Tetso College, Dimapur, Nagaland
(All views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Nagaland Tribune.)
