With the tenure of the present Village Councils coming to an end in the next few months, all recognized villages in Nagaland have been called upon to select new members for the 2026–2031 tenure.
A notification from the Home Department stated that the Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts will issue directives to villages under their jurisdiction, in accordance with Rule 3 of the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Rules, 1979. Villages are expected to carry out the selection of council members based on prevailing customary practices within 15 days of the notification.
The process must be completed before April 30, 2026, and the proposed lists of newly selected Village Council members are to be submitted to the State Government via the Office of the Commissioner, Nagaland for approval by May 5, 2026.
The notification underscores the importance of local traditions in village governance, while ensuring adherence to state guidelines. Officials have urged villages to complete the selection process promptly to avoid delays in formalizing the new councils.
