Dimapur: Nagaland assembly passed the historic Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill 2026 on the second day of the ninth session of the 14th Nagaland assembly on Thursday, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration for greater development and empowerment in eastern Nagaland.The bill provides for a new administrative arrangement with special provisions aimed at promoting the development of the six districts of eastern Nagaland by improving roads, schools, healthcare facilities, employment opportunities and overall infrastructure.Taking part in the discussion on the bill, CM Neiphiu Rio said the proposed authority would help bridge development gaps and ensure accelerated, inclusive and equitable growth in eastern Nagaland.Twelve members were nominated to speak on the FNTA Bill in the assembly.The previous FNTA Bill, scheduled for consideration and passing on March 27, was deferred amid concerns over the proposed powers and functions of FNTA.Opening the discussion, housing and mechanical engineering minister P Bashangmongba Chang, who is from eastern Nagaland, thanked Govt of India and Nagaland govt for bringing FNTA into being.He called it a landmark moment for the state, describing it as the outcome of a collective and joint effort built on shared commitment, not only between Centre and the state, but between the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and state govt.CM commended the bill to the House for consideration and passing.Rio said FNTA was envisioned as a unique self-governing territorial authority to fulfil the social, economic, educational, cultural and linguistic aspirations of the people of eastern Nagaland, while providing democratic and decentralised governance within the state.He admitted that the six districts under FNTA — Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak and Shamator — had continued to face developmental deficits due to historical and geographical challenges.Rio said state govt, in consultation with Govt of India, ENPO and other stakeholders, had worked towards addressing the legal and constitutional concerns surrounding the Bill. He reiterated that the safeguards under Article 371(A) would remain inviolable.Rio said state govt had also sought enhancement of the proposed special developmental grant from Rs 5,000 crore to a minimum of Rs 10,000 crore to accelerate infrastructure development, economic growth and overall progress in eastern Nagaland.He said the state government would allocate funds to the FNTA based on population and size, while the Centre would provide requisite funds through special development grants, keeping in view the region’s developmental needs.The FNTA would also prepare its own annual plans and formulate development programmes based on grassroots requirements.The constitution of the FNTA will go a long way in fulfilling the desires and aspirations of our brothers and sisters from eastern Nagaland, Rio said.He added that the FNTA was not merely an administrative arrangement but a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to equitable development, unity and progress for all sections of the people.
