Aimed at streamlining local governance, the Government of Nagaland has issued a directive to phase out bodies that duplicate the functions of elected councilors. This decision follows a Cabinet meeting held on July 11, 2024, and was communicated through a letter from the Municipal Affairs Department on August 5, 2024.
The directive states, “in case of any other bodies duplicating functions of elected councilors such as town GBs/Ward Committees, the Department should initiate necessary action to disband or phase out such bodies.”
In a subsequent letter dated August 13, 2024, the Home Department’s General Administration Branch-1 reiterated the Cabinet’s decision and issued further instructions. The notification directed all Deputy Commissioners to remain vigilant regarding any functions that may duplicate those of elected councilors within their jurisdictions. They were instructed to report any such bodies to the Department for necessary action.
Following this development, MT reached out to local ward authorities in Mokokchung town to gauge their reactions. The President of the All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT) stated that all the 18 wards under the Mokokchung Municipal Council plan to hold general meetings on the matter. The union intends to write to the government seeking clarification on the meaning of “duplicating functions” as mentioned in the directive.
The President added that their aim is not to confront the government but to seek clarity on the matter.