The recent Nagaland Cabinet meeting, held at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex in Kohima, marked a pivotal moment for the state, addressing a range of crucial issues impacting its governance, economy, and social fabric. From the long-standing Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) issue to the intricacies of Inner Line Permit (ILP) implementation, job reservation policies, and vital infrastructure development, the discussions underscored the government’s commitment to proactive governance and resolving key challenges.
Strengthening Inner Line Permit (ILP) Enforcement and Reforms
Nagaland Cabinet Addresses Key Issues: A Step Towards Progress and Inclusivity. A significant focus of the Cabinet meeting was the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, particularly its enforcement in areas like Dimapur. As briefed by the Home department, the Cabinet recognized the need for strengthening and streamlining the ILP system to ensure both security and ease of access for legitimate individuals.
In a move towards greater inclusivity, the Cabinet decided that family members and dependents of state and central government employees will no longer require ILPs, provided they present valid government-issued identity cards. Furthermore, heads of registered private and public companies are now authorized to act as guarantors for their employees’ ILP applications, simplifying the process for businesses.
To truly reflect the state’s diverse populace, the ILP online application portal is set to undergo significant reforms. The Cabinet directed the inclusion of previously underrepresented categories such as drivers, lawyers, architects, skilled professionals, housewives, unemployed individuals, non-school going children, tenants, social workers, and private sector employees. This expansion aims to make the portal more comprehensive and accessible to a wider range of applicants.
To prevent misuse and ensure accuracy, the Cabinet approved that employer certifications for ILP applications must now be accompanied by supporting documents from landlords or house owners for verification of residential details. Taking serious note of the misuse of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates (IIC) by non-Nagas, the Cabinet mandated a thorough verification process under the supervision of the Commissioner of Nagaland, who is tasked with submitting a comprehensive report.
In a bid to empower local administrative units, a revenue-sharing model for ILP fees was approved. This model will see fees collected for maintaining village-level registers of ILP holders divided in a 2:1 ratio between the State Government and the concerned Village Councils, fostering greater local participation and resource sharing. For migrant workers and the floating population, the Cabinet approved the issuance of work permits, contingent on guarantees from their employers or landlords. Transit passengers will be exempted from ILP requirements.
The Cabinet also decided that offline ILP issuance will continue until Smart Cards for Category I and II applicants are rolled out, ensuring a smooth transition. This update will be formalized by a new notification dated September 20, 2024, replacing the previous Office Memorandum of February 6, 2020. Draft formats for Temporary Certificates and application forms for the new ILP categories were also given the green light.
Addressing Job Reservation Policy Demands
Responding to the persistent demands of the Five Tribes Committee on the Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP), the Cabinet has agreed in principle to constitute a commission to examine all aspects of the existing job reservation policy. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has committed to forming a commission comprising individuals of integrity and competence within a month. This commission will consist of two IAS officers and one representative each from the Tenyimi Union, Central Nagaland Tribes Council, and Eastern Naga People’s Organisation, ensuring broad representation. The objective of this commission is not to arbitrarily alter quota percentages but to conduct a comprehensive and transparent review with inclusivity at its core.
Re-examining Absorption of Assistant Professors
The Cabinet also revisited the issue concerning the absorption of 147 assistant professors appointed under the Higher Education department. While acknowledging the recommendations of the High-Power Committee (HPC), the Cabinet directed the department to re-examine the proposal and present a revised post creation proposal for final approval. This indicates a careful and considered approach to ensuring the best outcome for these educators.
Expediting Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Development
Progress on the gas pipeline project being implemented by Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) was also reviewed. With a No Objection Certificate (NoC) granted for 107 km out of the 140 km alignment, the Cabinet directed concerned authorities to expedite clearance for the remaining 33 km. This push aims to ensure the timely completion of this crucial infrastructure project, which promises significant economic and developmental benefits for Nagaland.
The long-pending Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) was extensively deliberated. The Cabinet carefully considered the comments and feedback submitted in response to the draft Memorandum of Settlement (MoS).
Reaffirming its commitment to the core principles agreed upon in the earlier highlights of the draft MoS, the Cabinet acknowledged that while substantial progress has been made in narrowing differences, twelve key points of disagreement still remain. These points will be taken up for further negotiation, indicating a continued commitment to finding a mutually agreeable resolution.
Reaffirming its commitment to the core principles agreed upon in the earlier highlights of the draft MoS, the Cabinet acknowledged that while substantial progress has been made in narrowing differences, twelve key points of disagreement still remain. These points will be taken up for further negotiation, indicating a continued commitment to finding a mutually agreeable resolution.
The Nagaland Cabinet meeting highlights the government’s proactive approach to governance, tackling complex issues with a focus on streamlining processes, promoting inclusivity, and driving essential development as Nagaland Cabinet Addresses Key Issues: A Step Towards Progress and Inclusivity. What do you think are the most significant outcomes of these discussions for the people of Nagaland?